All Blog Posts Tagged 'Energy' - Home Energy Pros2015-08-03T01:12:23Zhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blog/feed?tag=Energy&xn_auth=noHOW DO YOU MONITOR AND TRACK BUILDING ENERGY USEtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-07-20:6069565:BlogPost:1847202015-07-20T18:36:16.000ZBijou Lullahttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/BijouLulla
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<div class="blog-separator"> Excessive utility usage can often go unnoticed without an effective method for tracking. Tracking the energy and water usage in your multifamily building(s) is a good way to spot potential problems and it’s good for your bottom line! There are many ways a property manager or owner can track utility usage, each with different benefits and downsides. Some of the pros and cons of 4 different tracking methods are evaluated below.</div>
<div class="blog-content"><div class="paragraph"><br/><strong>Manually Entering Data into Spreadsheets</strong><br/><br/>This refers to entering data from your bills into a spreadsheet, such as one from Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.<br/><br/><strong>Pros</strong><br/><ul>
<li>Manually entering data into spreadsheets is usually free (except for your time) and many people already have access to Microsoft Excel. If you don't have Excel, there are other option available, such as Google Sheets.</li>
<li>Because you design the spreadsheet yourself, you can determine what data to track. This also means that the spreadsheet will be easy for you to understand.</li>
<li>You can track all of your different utilities in one spot.</li>
</ul>
<br/><strong>Cons</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>Manually entering data can take time, especially if you have multiple properties with multiple utility accounts. While manually entering data into spreadsheets is “free,” your time isn’t. Be sure to account for labor costs in your evaluation of different methods.</li>
<li>If yours are the only eyes on the spreadsheet, certain problems can go unnoticed. Other tracking methods might be better equipped to find and correct tracking errors.</li>
<li>Although you might not have problems understanding your spreadsheet, others may. If the data is going to be shared among multiple people, this could become an issue.</li>
<li>There is no way to easily compare your usage to benchmarks in order to fully understand how your buildings are performing.</li>
</ul>
<br/><span><strong>Using Hardware</strong></span><br/><br/>Hardware options are physical items you can use to track usage (as opposed to reading off the bill or using a software program). Some hardware options measure just one appliance or circuit, while others connect to an entire meter.<br/><br/><strong>Pros</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>Generally, these options allow you to make just a one-time payment (for the hardware itself), rather than charging you a recurring fee.</li>
<li>Some of these tools have data analysis features - something that you wouldn’t get just tracking the data in a spreadsheet.</li>
<li>You have the option to buy hardware that tracks at a very granular level. If that is what you’re looking for this tool will be your best bet, as you cannot do this with the other options.</li>
</ul>
<br/><strong>Cons</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>Depending on the product you purchase, this option could still require some manual data entry or data analysis.</li>
<li>While the one-time payment could be a pro for certain properties, this option may still be expensive, depending on your need. Costs can add up if you need to buy multiple monitors for different units in a multi family building or for many circuits. Additionally, although the hardware is generally not difficult to install, installation may take up time or contribute to growing costs.</li>
<li>There is usually no way to compare your usage to benchmarks. </li>
</ul>
<br/><strong>Manually Entering Data into Portfolio Manager</strong><br/><br/><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager" target="_blank" title="">Portfolio Manager</a> is a tool created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows you to track your utility usage by manually entering the data from your bills.<br/><br/><span><strong>Pros</strong></span><br/>
<ul>
<li>Portfolio Manager is free to use.</li>
<li>Data can be shared with other Portfolio Manager users easily, unlike a self-designed spreadsheet.</li>
<li>Some buildings are eligible for an ENERGY STAR score, which provides limited benchmarking insight.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Cons</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>Manual data entry is involved, which takes time and could lead to mistakes.</li>
<li>Users sometimes consider Portfolio Manager to be confusing or clunky. </li>
<li>Many multi-family buildings are not eligible for ENERGY STAR scores. </li>
</ul>
<br/><br/><strong>Using Automated Tools to Track &amp; Analyze Data</strong><br/><br/>Automated tools are available online and can automatically collect your utility information from your provider.<strong><br/><br/>Pros</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>No manual data entry! </li>
<li>The setup process for these tools is usually quick for property managers/owners. Once initial setup is completed, data keeps flowing in automatically.</li>
<li>No hardware needs to be installed on-site.</li>
<li>Depending on the platform that you use, you will likely be able to get benchmarking information, typically in a more robust format and with more flexibility than you would with Portfolio Manager. These programs can analyze data as well as track it, something that would be difficult to do with a spreadsheet or certain hardware.</li>
<li>Some of these tools share data with Portfolio Manager, so you can get the benefits of both tools without having to import the data yourself.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Cons</strong><br/>
<ul>
<li>An obvious downside to using automated tools is the potential cost. While some other options are free, these tools will usually charge fees on a monthly or yearly basis.</li>
<li>As with all software, there is a learning curve.</li>
</ul>
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</div>A CHEAT SHEET FOR ENERGY MODELLING OLD HOMEStag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-07-08:6069565:BlogPost:1840002015-07-08T08:18:49.000ZBijou Lullahttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/BijouLulla
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http:/www.sustainableenergi.solutions" target="_blank">Sustainable Energi Solutions</a></p>
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<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>The biggest errors occur in modeling estimates of…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http:/www.sustainableenergi.solutions" target="_blank">Sustainable Energi Solutions</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
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<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>The biggest errors occur in modeling estimates of energy use in older homes; usually post-retrofit energy use is pretty close to modeled estimates, but pre-retrofit use is dramatically overestimated because of poor assumptions, biased inputs, and bad algorithms.”</span><br/><br/><strong>Poor assumptions.</strong><span> Models and auditors underestimate the efficiency of existing heating equipment, they often assume 60% efficiency for old furnaces.</span><br/><br/><strong>Low R-value estimates for existing walls (R-3.5) and attics.</strong><span> Many defaults are biased; they assume R-3.5 for an old wall when many old walls actually perform at R-5 or R-6. Energy models often underestimate the effects of a high framing factor, thick sheathing, and multiple layers of old siding, all of which impr<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ZNt8FIknlRNLp5d0KpW*PysHnOqFZHpGr1IRJhHoK4KZ9L055hnpw5dF37Fk-r1Ab32jf0gFcOhefrdce-8NEQsMqLWQOLtz/EnergyModellingSimulationbanner.jpg" target="_self"><br/></a>ove a wall’s R-value.</span><br/><br/><strong>Low R-value estimates for existing single-pane windows.</strong><span> We assume that old single-pane windows are R-1, when they are probably closer to R-1.35 or R-1.4. When calculating the outside surface film coefficient, they assume worst-case conditions — in other words, that the wind is always blowing away heat from the window. They do it that way because the design load is always calculated for the coldest, windiest day of the year (even though the coldest day usually isn’t windy). If an auditor calculates single-pane windows at R-1, he’s assuming that the wind is blowing continuously nonstop all winter long. But in a real house, the wind speed is often close to zero up against the window. </span><br/><br/><strong>Low or absent estimates for thermal regain.</strong><span> Energy models underestimate thermal regain from basements and crawlspaces. Most models get big things wrong, like how basements and crawlspaces work. Vented crawl spaces usually aren’t at the outdoor temperature. When the outdoor temperature is 10 degrees, a vented crawl space can be at 50 degrees. Why is it that when we insulate a basement ceiling, we get minimal savings — maybe zero savings, or maybe $20 a year? </span><br/><br/><span>Well, if you have a furnace and ductwork in the basement, you are regaining a lot of the heat given off by the furnace and ducts, due to the directional nature of air leakage in the wintertime. The stack effect brings basement air upstairs. The basement is pretty warm, so the air leaking into the house is warmer than the models predict. A similar effect happens in attics: because of the stack effect, most of the air leaving the house leaves through the attic. In a leaky house, you might have 200 cfm of air flow being dumped into the attic. That makes the attic warmer than the models predict. If the attic is 50 degrees, the heat loss through the ceiling insulation is less than the model assumes.</span><br/><br/><span>Also check for foundation heat loss, infiltration, wall heat loss, attic heat loss, framing factors, edge effects, window heat loss, window heat gain, exterior shading, interior shading, the effect of insect screens, air films, HVAC equipment performance, duct efficiency and regain, AC refrigerant charge, and air flows over HVAC coils. There are many unknowns: soil conductivity and ground temperatures are unknown. Wind speed is unknown. Leak locations are unknown. </span><br/><br/><span>Experience says that better results can be predicated </span><span>by asking the right set of questions, than running complex computer models. </span><br/><br/><span>(<em>the questions posed above are by no means exclusive, comments from readers of this blog are appreciated</em>)</span></p>ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFITS.....IN NUMBERS WE TRUSTtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-07-06:6069565:BlogPost:1840402015-07-06T00:05:46.000ZBijou Lullahttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/BijouLulla
<p>There has been much ado about the recent paper published by E2e; Do Energy Efficiency Investments Deliver? Evidence from the Weatherization Assistance Program, the final word on which is yet to be written.</p>
<p>Decades of experience and verification prove energy efficiency programs deliver huge benefits to consumers and the environment - and these benefits far exceed the costs. But numbers can be distorted and therein is the bane of Energy efficiency projects.</p>
<p>E2e has some heavy…</p>
<p>There has been much ado about the recent paper published by E2e; Do Energy Efficiency Investments Deliver? Evidence from the Weatherization Assistance Program, the final word on which is yet to be written.</p>
<p>Decades of experience and verification prove energy efficiency programs deliver huge benefits to consumers and the environment - and these benefits far exceed the costs. But numbers can be distorted and therein is the bane of Energy efficiency projects.</p>
<p>E2e has some heavy duty sponsors; Berkeley University of California, MIT, University of Chicago, in the words of the sponsor the findings of their study cannot be extrapolated;</p>
<p>"This is one study in one state looking at one subpopulation and one type of measure," study co-author Meredith Fowlie, an associate professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, told the Washington Post. "I would not feel comfortable generalizing from our study in Michigan."</p>
<p>But for now the damage is done with headlines appearing in the media:</p>
<p>"Energy efficiency upgrades cost double the projected benefits'<br/> "Do Energy Efficiency Investments Deliver?"</p>
<p>As energy efficiency practitioners', we don't need these unwelcome headlines. We live by providing ROI numbers everyday, and as any sane excel modeler will bear out that 'garbage-in' leads to 'garbage-out', and extrapolating trend can be a dangerous thing.</p>
<p>For a reality check; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory maintains a database of the measured and verified costs and savings from energy efficiency programs across the United States. Their most recent report found that the 2,100 program years they examined had a total cost of saved electricity, weighted by the energy saved, of 4.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across all sectors. This includes both program costs and participant costs related to the energy efficiency measure. This is about half the cost of building a dirty coal power plant.</p>
<p>The LBL report shows that residential efficiency on average costs 3.3 cents per kWh, and commercial and industrial efficiency costs 5.5 cents per kWh. Not surprisingly, low-income programs cost more (14.2 cents per kWh) and have a smaller customer contribution due to the participants' inability to pay. Given that these low-income programs provide more benefits than just energy savings, and that the average rate U.S. utilities charge residential customers is about 13 cents per kilowatt hour, this is still a good deal.</p>
<p>Is efficiency a cost-effective way to mitigate carbon?</p>
<p>Numerous studies have calculated that the public investment in energy efficiency is more cost-effective than procuring new power sources. Even if real costs are higher than previously thought, efficiency provides a critical and immediate opportunity for large-scale emissions reductions that are cost-effective compared to other options.</p>
<p>As practitioners it is very important we use the right set of numbers in making our assumptions and generating positive ROI for our customers.</p>Shades of Gray in Residential Construction Moralitytag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-04-27:6069565:BlogPost:1805262015-04-27T12:24:58.000ZPaul Raymerhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/PaulRaymer
<p>I was called in to perform a last minute duct test for a modular home builder. He was all in a dither to have a duct test and a blower door test done on a Friday so that he could get his Certificate of Occupancy (CO) so the homeowner could move in the following Monday. He said that he’d just found out that he needed these tests. The building inspector asked for them at the last minute!</p>
<p>I was glad to do it partially because it’s good to have builders aware of what is going on…</p>
<p>I was called in to perform a last minute duct test for a modular home builder. He was all in a dither to have a duct test and a blower door test done on a Friday so that he could get his Certificate of Occupancy (CO) so the homeowner could move in the following Monday. He said that he’d just found out that he needed these tests. The building inspector asked for them at the last minute!</p>
<p>I was glad to do it partially because it’s good to have builders aware of what is going on despite the fact that he might have been warned for the past year or more that the code had changed. General awareness of these changes take time. After all, this wasn’t the first house that he had built since the new codes went into effect, but this was obviously the first building inspector who had made him do it. The 2012 IECC is quite demanding in contrast to the 2009 version, and it is clear that builders can’t just build the way they used to. The IECC requires 3 ACH50 and ducts that leak no more than 4 cfm per 100 square feet. This house leaked at over 7 ACH50 and the ducts were at just under 9 cfm per 100 square feet.</p>
<p>So the builder ran around with a caulking gun. He stuffed paper towel under the basement door. He pulled off electrical receptacle covers and installed those little foam pads. And then he looked at me. This is the point where the rubber meets the road as a Quality Control Inspector. The house performed better than many houses that have been built over the years. It wasn’t likely to explode or rot away in a year. After all, it had been mostly assembled in a factory - indoors where it never rained. So why didn’t the modular manufacturer get it right? They could have sealed up the tops of all the wire chases in the attic. There was air coming up from the marriage wall gap. Whose responsibility was that?</p>
<p>We called the factory. They were apparently shocked! How could air be leaking at all the outlets? Using a pressure pan I showed the builder which ones were connected to the outside and which ones weren’t. It wasn’t all of them. Attitude in the factory came into play. Maybe someone had been assigned the task of sealing all those holes but ran out of . . . foam? attitude? time? Maybe it was Friday afternoon.</p>
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<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Panned Return</dd>
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<p>Then there were the ducts. The only return in the house was a large opening in the living room floor where the joists had been panned down below. There was a wind blowing up from the basement (outside the conditioned space) when the blower door was running.</p>
<p>We called the HVAC contractor. “I sealed every joint with mastic! We do that every time. I don’t know what could have happened.” Using the theatrical fogger, it was pretty obvious that they hadn’t sealed every joint. The filter slot was uncovered and beyond that, it was located in such a manner that the gas pipe and some wires would always make it extremely difficult to change the filter.</p>
<p>By this point, the builder recognized that the house was not going to pass and he was not going to get his certificate of occupancy for Monday. He told me that he would arrange to have the HVAC contractor back and would spend time sealing and tightening up the house.</p>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="https://resvent.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/open-panned-return.jpg"><img class="wp-image-515" style="margin-right: 5px;" src="https://resvent.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/open-panned-return.jpg?w=300" alt="Open Panned Return" height="154" width="216"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Vision of the Living Room</dd>
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<p>A week went by before he called me back. Now, all of this is unfortunately too common, but it was the second visit that really disturbed me. On the phone the builder said the ducts had been retested and they were fine. All he need from me was the blower door test. I asked to see the duct test results. He said that the HVAC guy was having trouble with his email, but he sent me a photograph of the test results. I noticed that the building size was wrong. The results were remarkably good. I couldn’t read the signature or the name and there wasn’t a BPI or HERS number. No, the builder said, you don’t need to retest the ducts. Just do the blow test.</p>
<p>When I got to the house, the builder was running around with his caulking gun again. Proudly he showed me how the marriage wall had been foamed in the basement. He said he had talked to the factory but they really hadn’t done much. I looked at the ducting. The section of the floor joist panning was wide open at the end. You could see the daylight of the grille in the living room. There was absolutely no way that the testing could have had the results that it did.</p>
<p>While we were in the basement, the HVAC contractor showed up and started caulking around the floor boots. If the ducts were so tight, why was he still trying to make them tighter? I showed him the open panned return. “Don’t know how that could have happened! We had a guy who was doing bad work. I had to let him go.”</p>
<p>I asked him about the guy who tested the ducts. “Oh, he’s just a guy that works for me. Does this once in awhile.”</p>
<p>So the duct testing was a lie. It was a lie by an employee who worked for the HVAC contractor. The builder accepted it and refused to let me retest the ducts once the HVAC company had worked on them. He wanted the CO and he wanted to be done with the job.</p>
<p>This situation was obvious: the end of the ducting was wide open. Without my testing, they would never have known. The system would have been running that way for its entire existence. Even with my testing, the builder was willing to accept the results and walk away. The HVAC contractor was willing to accept the results and walk away and complain about onerous rules and regulations. The homeowner would have gotten a shoddy product and the building inspector would have received invalid information and had to accept it because he couldn’t recheck the result due to lack of time and money.</p>
<p>If we are going to make this system work and have any value, at the very least there ought to be simple ways to verify the credentials of the people doing the testing. There ought to be a way for QCI inspectors to ding the contractor or the builder for making stuff up. I want to believe that this was a learning experience for both the builder and the HVAC contractor and that they will do better next time. But when I saw those original duct testing results from the HVAC contractor, I didn’t believe them. Should I have compelled the builder to let me retest? Obviously the ducting system would have failed miserably. If it had been a health and safety situation, there would have been no question. But it was a performance and long term durability question. Are there shades of gray in residential construction morality?</p>
<hr/><p> </p>
<p>If you are planning to challenge the BPI Quality Control Inspector’s certification, you might find the <a title="QCI Handbook" href="https://paul-raymer.squarespace.com/qci/" target="_blank"><em>Quality Control Inspector’s Residential Handbook</em></a> helpful. Scheduled for publication on June 1, 2015. For updates and a discount on publication, please add your name and email address by clicking on the book below.</p>
<p><a title="QCI Handbook" href="https://paul-raymer.squarespace.com/qci/" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone wp-image-467" src="https://resvent.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/qci-handbook-cover-copy.jpg?w=94&amp;h=120" alt="QCI Handbook Cover copy" height="120" width="94"/></a></p>
<p>Visit us at <a title="Heyoka Solutions" href="http://www.HeyokaSolutions.com" target="_blank">www.HeyokaSolutions.com</a></p>Check Out Few Amazing Wind Energy Facts That You Didn't Know About!tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-11:6069565:BlogPost:1751672015-02-11T09:55:25.000ZMclean Harryhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/McleanHarry
<p align="justify" class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: ﾖ%;" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Generation of power through renewable energy resources has increased in good numbers over the past. Wind power is one of them. There are various</span></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>pros and cons</b></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of…</span></font></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Generation of power through renewable energy resources has increased in good numbers over the past. Wind power is one of them. There are various</span></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>pros and cons</b></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of</span></font><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b> <a href="http://www.wtxl.com/news/florida_news/chava-wind-erects-large-turbine-in-redland/article_39e61caa-323a-532a-b258-f7b7df425c35.html" target="_blank">wind energy</a></b></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">but generally, experts do give first preference to this form of energy. Now let's see few facts that you might not be aware of:</span></font></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"></p>
<h2 class="western" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US">Low cost energy generation:</h2>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif">Wind is for free but the construction of big towers with large blades and turbines are considered in the annual cost. Anyway, engineers all around the world believe that wind energy is the best way to generate electricity at affordable rates. If the reports are to be believed, wind power is 48% cheaper than power produced through coal and gas.</font></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><a target="_blank" href="http://chavawind.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tall-vertical.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://chavawind.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tall-vertical.jpg"/></a></p>
<h2 class="western" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US">A Single Turbine Can Power 200 Homes:</h2>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The wind tower which is almost 120 – 140 feet in height and has a single turbine can supply electricity to almost 200 homes. This is one of the most interesting</span></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>facts</b></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of</span></font> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><b>wind energy</b></font><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">. The largest wind turbine which is almost 750 feet high can generate 8 MW (Mega Watts) of energy and can supply electricity to 3000 homes.</span></font></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"></p>
<h2 class="western" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US">Denmark Stands First in Wind Power Generation:</h2>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif">If you are thinking that USA or Germany are leading in wind power generation, then you are wrong. It's Denmark that has the largest wind power capacity and uses the wind power up to great extent. The other countries in the list are Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, USA, etc.</font></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; font-weight: normal; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; line-height: &#xFF96;%;" align="justify" lang="en-US" xml:lang="en-US"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you are looking forward to know more about wind power generation and want to use the renewable energy for your household or commercial purpose, </span></font><a href="http://www.chavawind.com/" target="_blank">Chava wind energy solutions</a> <font face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: normal;">might be the best choice you can make.</span></font></p>
<p></p>Energy Tips - Fresh Look at Heating and Cooling the Hometag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-02-03:6069565:BlogPost:1746822015-02-03T09:31:53.000ZCrosbey Archeryhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/CrosbeyArchery
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFz-wr4YDUEXbI202BPBG7EI09qkLbRh28lPwDxaQAWytg4Eo5ahrZV7JMI8dPWK1Y9HqN06-y03SAUAhCJnn2ua/aaa.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="215" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFz-wr4YDUEXbI202BPBG7EI09qkLbRh28lPwDxaQAWytg4Eo5ahrZV7JMI8dPWK1Y9HqN06-y03SAUAhCJnn2ua/aaa.jpg?width=750" width="674"></img></a></p>
<p>Understanding how heat is transferred from the outside into your home and from your home to your body is vital for understanding the challenge of keeping your house cool. Understanding the processes that facilitate keep your body cool is vital in understanding cooling ways for your home.…</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFz-wr4YDUEXbI202BPBG7EI09qkLbRh28lPwDxaQAWytg4Eo5ahrZV7JMI8dPWK1Y9HqN06-y03SAUAhCJnn2ua/aaa.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFz-wr4YDUEXbI202BPBG7EI09qkLbRh28lPwDxaQAWytg4Eo5ahrZV7JMI8dPWK1Y9HqN06-y03SAUAhCJnn2ua/aaa.jpg?width=750" height="215" width="674"/></a></p>
<p>Understanding how heat is transferred from the outside into your home and from your home to your body is vital for understanding the challenge of keeping your house cool. Understanding the processes that facilitate keep your body cool is vital in understanding cooling ways for your home.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFy8x3xCDMVNwY-AXVbMOPhVZrCtLiAj1yDVfMdsrUjI4FN5c1suC8h0Mejq5ZLL6tj*DM94J0BF*8vDktfQRnZj/aaa1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFy8x3xCDMVNwY-AXVbMOPhVZrCtLiAj1yDVfMdsrUjI4FN5c1suC8h0Mejq5ZLL6tj*DM94J0BF*8vDktfQRnZj/aaa1.jpg" width="448"/></a><br/>The most vital factor to grasp a couple of heat recovery mechanical system is that it brings in recent air and exhausts stale air, however it doesn’t let all of the warmth within the outgoing air escape while it’s at it. A HRV, just like the <a href="http://www.unitedfilter.com" target="_blank">United Filter</a> systems unit that we’ve employed in variety of homes, works sort of a radiator to pass most of the warmth within the outgoing air to the incoming air instead of wasting the energy you’ve already employed in heating it. This explicit HRV unit is concerning eighty five p.c economical. Simply put, meaning that if the air going out of the home is seventy degrees and therefore the air outside that’s coming back in is forty degrees, the HRV warms the air to concerning sixty five degrees before it lets it into the house. <br/><br/><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFxy0OKQ*tBwl9gPxJCfShQDrDSmQ8*OWrBrQhl04*LGcso0f5S3HOG6lcjVV9zlaYyZY7SgfTmBd8ZsoX3yA3e0/aaa2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFxy0OKQ*tBwl9gPxJCfShQDrDSmQ8*OWrBrQhl04*LGcso0f5S3HOG6lcjVV9zlaYyZY7SgfTmBd8ZsoX3yA3e0/aaa2.jpg?width=750" height="229" width="640"/></a><br/>The incoming air passes through the HRV and goes on to a manifold. At the manifold, the air goes from one huge pipe to several smaller pipes, that successively service all of the rooms that receive ventilated air. sometimes this includes the most rooms just like the living areas and bedrooms. Some rooms have come air vents. These area unit usually “wet” rooms just like the loos, laundry and room from that stale, wet air is collected to be routed out of the house. The system conjointly collects and exhausts excess wetness that may otherwise cause mould and mildew.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFwyNMMO5v0LajOAFCg0Dd3e8ziBgSE3LW-L46NfshOIBNPlb2Cnt9hBDtG2-rMUvo6ahrpoHCL4TuS6sFcuRiwg/aaa3.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5SYuKLMNKFwyNMMO5v0LajOAFCg0Dd3e8ziBgSE3LW-L46NfshOIBNPlb2Cnt9hBDtG2-rMUvo6ahrpoHCL4TuS6sFcuRiwg/aaa3.jpg" height="302" width="553"/></a><br/>This leads to me a different good thing about a HRV—<a href="http://unitedfilter.com/index.php/default/blog/helpful-tips-improve-homes-air-quality/" target="_blank">improve indoor air quality</a>. By eliminating air leaks within the home and obtaining your recent air from the mechanical system, you're making certain that the indoor air you breathe is clean and healthy. As I aforementioned before, in an older house air is unseaworthy in where it will notice how. a typical situation is that heat air, as a result of it rises, can notice how to leak out up high, usually through cracks between the wall and roof framing or through the cans around recessed lighting. The replacement air comes in from down low through leaks within the floor or bottom of the walls. this suggests that always the air you're respiratory is coming back from your space, possibly tainted with dirt, mould spores, even the residue of gadfly sprays. against this, after you have a tightly sealed house and a HRV, the air you're respiratory is coming back from a best-known supply and thru a fine filter. you'll select filters supported your specific health desires and preferences.<br/><br/></p>New $1.6 Million Program Helps Electric-Heated Buildings in Chicago Save Energy, Moneytag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2015-01-15:6069565:BlogPost:1735702015-01-15T15:51:37.000ZMelissa Ulbrichthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MelissaUlbricht
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/ElectricMeter-BlogPost2.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/ElectricMeter-BlogPost2-300x222.jpg?width=300" width="300"></img></a> Many Chicago apartment buildings are electrically heated – meaning that the primary heat source is delivered via electricity, rather than natural gas or other sources. A …</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/ElectricMeter-BlogPost2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/ElectricMeter-BlogPost2-300x222.jpg?width=300" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>Many Chicago apartment buildings are electrically heated – meaning that the primary heat source is delivered via electricity, rather than natural gas or other sources. A <a title="Electric-Heat Apartment Building" href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2014/dec/mayor-emanuel-announces-50th-building-to-join-retrofit-chicagos-.html" target="_blank">$1.6 million joint initiative</a> from the City of Chicago and Elevate Energy will improve the energy efficiency of 2,500 electric-heated units across the city, saving owners and tenants money on utility bills and contributing to cozier, healthier, higher-performing buildings.</p>
<p>For owners and managers of electric-heated buildings, here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this easy, practical, full-service program and improve your building today.</p>
<ol>
<li><h2>First, how will my building and tenants benefit from energy efficiency improvements?</h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Improving the energy efficiency of your electric-heated building will help you and your tenants save money on electric and utility bills, now and in the future. Buildings that implement recommended energy efficiency measures can save 30 percent on utility and maintenance costs.</p>
<p>In addition, you’ll improve home comfort for your tenants, increase tenant retention, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing more in-depth energy efficiency improvements such as air sealing and insulation also helps create jobs and boosts our local economy. And, with Chicago winter now fully upon us, <strong>now is the time</strong> to invest in measures for warmer, cozier, and more energy efficient homes and buildings.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li><h2>I hear there’s a free energy assessment. What will I learn from this and what improvements are typically recommended?</h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p>All eligible buildings that apply will receive a<strong> free</strong> energy assessment and direct installation of energy efficient products for tenants, including a programmable thermostat and power strips to help minimize wasted energy.</p>
<p>While there is no commitment to implement more in-depth upgrades, the free energy assessment report includes expert recommendations on the most cost-effective improvements for your specific building, including potential air sealing and insulation and HVAC system upgrades. The report will outline projected costs, financial and energy savings, and payback time for each recommended improvement. Considerable financial incentives are available for building owners that opt in to these more in-depth measures. In other words, we’ll connect you to financial resources (incentives, rebates, grants, and low-interest loans) to help offset the cost of the improvements, setting you on the path to savings for years to come.</p>
<p>We’ll also connect you to trusted, carefully vetted, local contractors to complete the work and we’ll oversee the entire process. Our proven, expert guidance helps you every step of the way to ensure maximum savings and impact.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li><h2>Is my building eligible?</h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Owners or managers of all-electric residential apartment buildings in Chicago are eligible to participate in the program, regardless of who pays the utility bills (either owner or tenant-paid).</p>
<ol start="4">
<li><h2>I’m in! How do I get involved?</h2>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Eligible building owners or managers should <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/for-building-owners-managers/multifamily-buildings/" target="_blank">complete a short application on Elevate Energy’s website</a>. You can also get more details by contacting our friendly experts at 855.372.8377 or <a href="mailto:buildings@elevateenergy.org" target="_blank">buildings@elevateenergy.org</a>.</p>
<h2>Don’t miss out! Be among the 2,500 apartment units to implement comprehensive upgrades and access financial incentives.</h2>
<p>The goal of the $1.6 million joint initiative is to implement comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades in 2,500 electric-heated apartment units in Chicago and to distribute efficiency products to an additional 7,500 households across the city, by the end of May 2017. Act now to take advantage of the considerable incentive funds available to help you save money and energy.</p>
<p>For more on the benefits of energy efficiency in Chicago, see our <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/building-owners-tenants-alike-benefit-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank">blog post and this Chicago Tribune story.</a></p>
<h2>Not an electric-heated building? We can help.</h2>
<p>As always, Elevate Energy and our partners continue to offer energy and water efficiency services to apartment buildings (two units or more), nonprofits, and childcare centers throughout Illinois, regardless of the heating system. <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/for-building-owners-managers/energy-efficient-building-services/" target="_blank">Apply today on our website</a>, or get in touch with us directly at <a href="mailto:buildings@ElevateEnergy.org" target="_blank">buildings@ElevateEnergy.org</a> or 855.372.8377.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/progs/env/retrofit_chicagoresidentialsinglefamily.html" target="_blank">Retrofit Chicago Residential Partnership</a> brings together municipal, nonprofit, and utility partners, including the <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/progs/env/retrofit_chicago.html" target="_blank">City of Chicago</a>, <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org" target="_blank">Elevate Energy</a>, the <a href="http://www.cicchicago.com/" target="_blank">Community Investment Corporation</a>, the <a href="http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/" target="_blank">Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning</a>, the <a href="http://www.chicagobungalow.org/" target="_blank">Historic Chicago Bungalow Association</a>, <a href="https://www.comed.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">ComEd</a>, and <a href="http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/" target="_blank">Peoples Gas</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Multifamily Buildings Are Now Eligible to Apply for ENERGY STAR Certificationtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-11-13:6069565:BlogPost:1697782014-11-13T21:30:00.000ZMelissa Ulbrichthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MelissaUlbricht
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/JefferyParkway-Small.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/JefferyParkway-Small.jpg?width=200" width="200"></img></a> Sandeep and Carolyn Sood own several apartment buildings in Chicago, but the 55-unit building at 6731 S. Jeffery Boulevard is special. The building is one of the first in the<em> country</em> to receive the new ENERGY STAR® certification for multifamily buildings.</p>
<p>“For us, it’s an important designation. It shows people that want to live here that we care.…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/JefferyParkway-Small.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/JefferyParkway-Small.jpg?width=200" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>Sandeep and Carolyn Sood own several apartment buildings in Chicago, but the 55-unit building at 6731 S. Jeffery Boulevard is special. The building is one of the first in the<em> country</em> to receive the new ENERGY STAR® certification for multifamily buildings.</p>
<p>“For us, it’s an important designation. It shows people that want to live here that we care. We have invested in the building. We want to make it comfortable for everyone, and we care about operating it efficiently,” Sandeep Sood said. “The designation will bring the building a different profile from other buildings.”</p>
<p>The Jeffery Parkway building earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) certification, which signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar multifamily buildings nationwide for energy efficiency. The multifamily ENERGY STAR category is a <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/owners_and_managers/existing-buildings/find_resources_your_property_type/energy_star_multifamily_housing" target="_blank">new space type</a> for the EPA. So far, 17 multifamily buildings have received the certification, including an additional two in Chicago at 680 N. Lake Shore Drive and River City at 800 S. Wells.</p>
<p>“I’m extremely proud to be one of the first in the nation, and I think our tenants will be extremely proud, too,” Carolyn Sood said.</p>
<p>Multifamily buildings receive an ENERGY STAR score of 1 to 100 accounting for the building’s energy use; buildings that score above 75 are eligible to apply for ENERGY STAR certification. Jeffery Parkway boasts an impressive score of 99, meaning that it performs better than 99 percent of similar buildings.</p>
<p>The score helps building owners understand energy use relative to peer buildings. This provides a clear assessment of performance and enables owners to take steps to reduce wasted energy. Improving the energy efficiency of multifamily apartment buildings means lower energy use and costs, healthier communities, and cozier homes. Improving existing building stock also helps preserve affordable housing in our communities.</p>
<p>"I applaud the proactive steps the Soods took to make this multi-family building energy efficient,” said 5<sup>th</sup> Ward Alderman Leslie Hairston. “They made a voluntary decision to take a distressed building and make it more attractive to potential tenants by re-branding it and adding extra value."</p>
<h2>Energy Efficiency Gives New Legs to Old Buildings</h2>
<p>To achieve an ENERGY STAR score of 99, the Jeffery Boulevard building, built in 1928, needed a little help first.</p>
<p>“The building was considered a distressed situation. The previous landlords had not been maintaining it properly and many tenants were living in uncomfortable situations,” Carolyn said. “There was a lot of potential in the building and we knew there was an opportunity to take on a project that would increase everybody’s quality of life.”</p>
<p>Sandeep and Carolyn worked with Elevate Energy’s full-service <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/for-building-owners-managers/energy-efficient-building-services/" target="_blank">energy efficient buildings program</a> to retrofit the building, installing a new steam boiler and controls, replacing hot water heaters, and insulating heating pipes. Owners received a low-cost loan from <a title="Community Investment Corporation" href="http://www.cicchicago.com/loan-programs/energy-savers-can-save-you-money/" target="_blank">Community Investment Corporation</a> to help cover the cost of the improvements. They now expect 50 percent savings on natural gas, every year, and the improvements helped the building achieve the ENERGY STAR.</p>
<p>The ENERGY STAR certification shows that even older buildings can perform at the highest levels. Tenants benefit from cozier, healthier homes, too.</p>
<p>Michael Cotten, a retired postal worker, has lived at Jeffery Parkway for about seven years. “It was in bad shape, the heating, the water. When Sandeep took over, he redid the whole building<strong>. </strong>It’s a 100 percent difference from the way it was,” he said. Michael appreciates the health and safety of the building, too. “I really wouldn’t want to live any place else.”</p>
<p>Elevate Energy looks forward to seeing other multifamily buildings in Chicago achieve the ENERGY STAR certification, and we can help. Contact our buildings team at to schedule an energy assessment at your building: 855.372.8377 or <a href="mailto:buildings@ElevateEnergy.org" target="_blank">buildings@ElevateEnergy.org</a>.</p>
<p>Click on the images below to see the improved building at 6731 S. Jeffery Boulevard.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/multifamily-energy-star-chicago/" target="_blank">Read the entire post and watch a video on the Elevate Energy blog</a>. The <a href="http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/f991a0e771fb375d85257d8f00563d5d!OpenDocument" target="_blank">EPA press release</a> is available here.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0112-edited.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1970 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0112-edited-207x138.jpg" alt="DSC_0112-edited" width="207" height="138"/></a> <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0122-edited.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1971 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0122-edited-207x138.jpg" alt="DSC_0122-edited" width="207" height="138"/></a> <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0125-edited.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1972 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0125-edited-207x137.jpg" alt="DSC_0125-edited" width="207" height="137"/></a> <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0169-edited.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1973 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0169-edited-207x138.jpg" alt="DSC_0169-edited" width="207" height="138"/></a> <a href="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0162-edited.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1974 size-thumbnail" src="http://www.elevateenergy.org/prod/httpdocs/wp/wp-content/uploads/DSC-0162-edited-207x142.jpg" alt="DSC_0162-edited" width="207" height="142"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>How Can Social Media Change the Future of Energy?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-09-25:6069565:BlogPost:1671712014-09-25T14:00:00.000ZRyan Enrighthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/RyanEnright
<p class="font_8"><span><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pog920fjmi-SdWIiS0tkjXSkHF4W58tZp11J1X8VXhbBaxN8JgzeIGacrY4NSILgJmDsSIK0YrfTwi5uhA3v0MVmGGPusNwp/Dollarphotoclub_57144749.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pog920fjmi-SdWIiS0tkjXSkHF4W58tZp11J1X8VXhbBaxN8JgzeIGacrY4NSILgJmDsSIK0YrfTwi5uhA3v0MVmGGPusNwp/Dollarphotoclub_57144749.jpg?width=500" width="500"></img></a></span></p>
<p class="font_8"><span>Energy is a monumental subject, certainly not something that can be covered in a single blog. There are lots of resources and new information that comes out on a regular basis, so how do you keep up with it? A couple years ago I read a book…</span></p>
<p class="font_8"><span><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pog920fjmi-SdWIiS0tkjXSkHF4W58tZp11J1X8VXhbBaxN8JgzeIGacrY4NSILgJmDsSIK0YrfTwi5uhA3v0MVmGGPusNwp/Dollarphotoclub_57144749.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pog920fjmi-SdWIiS0tkjXSkHF4W58tZp11J1X8VXhbBaxN8JgzeIGacrY4NSILgJmDsSIK0YrfTwi5uhA3v0MVmGGPusNwp/Dollarphotoclub_57144749.jpg?width=500" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p class="font_8"><span>Energy is a monumental subject, certainly not something that can be covered in a single blog. There are lots of resources and new information that comes out on a regular basis, so how do you keep up with it? A couple years ago I read a book that changed how I approached completing tasks and how that approach, applied correctly, could change the world.</span></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<p class="font_8"><span>The book was, <span>The Slight Edge</span> by Jeff Olsen (2013), who discussed that seemingly small and incremental efforts done regularly add up to extremely large accomplishments over a period of time. This can be seen directly from saving money with compounding interest, becoming an expert in anything new, and through the cumulative energy use of each and every person in the world. I have come to understand that this incremental actions theory is applicable in every aspect of our lives from our health and relationships to our technology and energy usage. Energy is estimated to be a $6 trillion dollar industry with the United States being among the world’s leaders in production and consumption (United States Energy Information Administration, 2014). </span></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<p class="font_8"><span>None of this happened in a short amount of time and The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that the world energy demand will increase another 56% by the year 2040 - translation, “we are going to need a LOT more energy!” Ultimately this information is dependent upon the present state of the energy industry, current societal trends in our day-to-day habits, and the ability that we all have to influence the future that we face if we do not change our approach to energy. <span>What if we found a way to curb that trend by improving how we utilize the energy that we create? </span>What if we could reduce the energy usage of every structure in the country by 20% or even 30%? We could help keep the rate demand increases down and encourage local clean, renewable energy production allowing our dependence on fossil fuels to remain constant only to eventually decline becoming an obsolete energy resource.</span></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<p class="font_8"><span><span class="color_15">So how does this all relate to social media? Social media is a platform to bring awareness to what small incremental steps you can take in your home as well as finding out what is up and coming in the energy industry. Social media is a chance for you to learn and educate others on a grand and easy to reach scale. </span><span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/evergreendomesticenergy" target="_blank"><span class="color_18">Like</span></a></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ede_colorado" target="_blank"><span class="color_18"> </span></a><span class="color_15">or</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ede_colorado" target="_blank"><span class="color_18"> <span>Follow</span></span></a><span class="color_15"> us for simple energy saving tips and reminders along with news and information about what is up and coming in the energy sector and make a small effort towards making the world a better place for us all.</span></span></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<p class="font_8"><span>Thank you for reading! We want to hear from you, please feel free to give us your comments or suggestions.</span></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<p class="font_8"><span>Ryan Enright</span></p>
<p class="font_8">Partner - Marketing Manager</p>
<p class="font_8"><a href="http://www.EvergreenDomesticEnergy.com" target="_blank">www.EvergreenDomesticEnergy.com</a></p>
<p class="font_8"> </p>
<h6 class="font_6"><span class="font-size-3">Reference</span></h6>
<p class="font_8"><span>United States Energy Information Administration. (2014, September 9). United States Energy Information Administration. Retrieved from INTERNATIONAL ENERGY OUTLOOK 2014: <a href="http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/world.cfm">http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/world.cfm</a></span></p>After 70 years on the fence, knotty LED light fixtures hide the Ductless in splendortag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-08-19:6069565:BlogPost:1647592014-08-19T23:09:30.000ZJoseph Lamyhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/JosephLamy
<p>After the first week, the ductless heat pump and I became so close that could never even think of her as ugly. But some folks don't like the look.</p>
<p>In an analogy to current medical practice, the mini-split heat pump is fabulous but the side effects are minimal for some people. In those cases, we have a cure for the side effect, the LED sandwich light that mesmerizes the eyes softly and makes heat ugly pumps disappear right before your very eyes.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>After the first week, the ductless heat pump and I became so close that could never even think of her as ugly. But some folks don't like the look.</p>
<p>In an analogy to current medical practice, the mini-split heat pump is fabulous but the side effects are minimal for some people. In those cases, we have a cure for the side effect, the LED sandwich light that mesmerizes the eyes softly and makes heat ugly pumps disappear right before your very eyes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/hide-that-ugly-ductless-heat-pump-head-with-cool-led?cid=db_articles">http://www.examiner.com/article/hide-that-ugly-ductless-heat-pump-head-with-cool-led?cid=db_articles</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Customer service is an inside job. When we appeal to the one wearing the cute clothes and choosing the dinner, then we sell our efficiency package to happy people who rave about how considerate you are. And creative. And knotty.</p>Lessons from Energy Efficiency Advisors: Getting Homeowners Onboard with Home Performancetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-07-16:6069565:BlogPost:1618602014-07-16T17:29:10.000ZScott Mellberghttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ScottMellberg
<p class="p1">Homeowners are often aware of the different problems they experience in their homes: uncomfortable rooms, high utility bills, poor indoor air quality, etc. However, homeowners are generally unfamiliar with the concept of Home Performance, the Whole House approach, and how energy efficiency upgrades can address these concerns. We regularly hear these stories and find that by listening, asking the right questions, educating, and providing guidance, we can help homeowners feel…</p>
<p class="p1">Homeowners are often aware of the different problems they experience in their homes: uncomfortable rooms, high utility bills, poor indoor air quality, etc. However, homeowners are generally unfamiliar with the concept of Home Performance, the Whole House approach, and how energy efficiency upgrades can address these concerns. We regularly hear these stories and find that by listening, asking the right questions, educating, and providing guidance, we can help homeowners feel comfortable with a whole home approach and help them address their concerns. </p>
<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p3">Populus, LLC administers the Home Upgrade Advisor service for the Bay Area Regional Energy Network and is very familiar with the barriers for homeowners to complete comprehensive energy upgrades. As a third party implementer and advising service for efficiency programs around the country, Populus is committed to helping homeowners understand the value of Home Performance and take advantage of whole house efficiency upgrades and program incentives. </p>
<p class="p4"></p>
<p class="p1">We find that once homeowners <i>really</i> understand the concepts and benefits of a Whole House approach, they are much more likely to get on board and they often end up pursuing multiple efficiency upgrades. Even better, those upgrades often address many different concerns, which they may have been unaware of originally. The end result is an overall better quality of life, reduction in energy use, better protection against future utility rate increases, and a very satisfied family. </p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<p class="p1">However, because Home Performance is not yet a widely recognized concept and solution for various issues homeowners are experiencing every day, it often takes extra effort to get someone on board who would otherwise really benefit from an energy upgrade. For contractors, it requires more time, resources, and a strong commitment to Home Performance in order to help educate your average homeowner. For homeowners, the overwhelming nature of Building Science (not to mention the different energy efficiency programs and requirements, complexity of the various solutions, etc.) can leave them feeling overwhelmed, pressured, and unclear about the significant impact that taking a Whole Home approach can have. Homeowners also have the option to work with non-home performance contractors who often offer lower prices. From their perspective, insulation is insulation, right? These are common barriers that Populus is able to address through our third party advisor model and by taking a “People First, Buildings Second<span class="s1"><b>℠”</b> approach.</span><br/> <br/> By focusing on the homeowner first and uncovering their primary concerns and motivators for pursuing an energy efficiency upgrade, Populus Advisors are able to develop trusting relationships with homeowners and ensure that they really understand the various concepts and benefits associated with a whole home approach in a way that makes sense to them. We then provide homeowners with time, resources, and guidance throughout the entire process to ensure that they have access to the resources necessary for them to feel comfortable and confident about moving forward with a whole home upgrade. Because Populus is an independent third party, homeowners can trust that their Advisor is not trying to sell them on upgrades they don’t need which helps them feel reassured about moving forward with projects. Through this approach Populus is able to drive higher participation and larger projects in Home Performance programs. <br/> <br/> Insulation is not just insulation and a furnace is not just another furnace - there is a much bigger system and picture to consider and understand. A commitment to helping homeowners understand what we as BPI Building Analysts and home performance professionals know and practice plays one of the most important roles in homeowner involvement and commitment to energy efficiency and should be a core principle for anybody trying to get homeowners involved. </p>Despite record breaking cold winter our MI GreenStar Certified home saved 50% Energy!tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-06-01:6069565:BlogPost:1582192014-06-01T00:30:00.000ZBrett Littlehttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/BrettLittle979
<div class="separator">Despite the extreme record breaking cold this winter, we still saved nearly 50% energy compared to the home prior to the remodel and about the same compared to conventional homes in West Michigan.…</div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKEZKIoM-o/U3lYeYwSPGI/AAAAAAAACt0/VOZwXW-SG9I/s1600/DTE+Energy+Comparison.jpg"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKEZKIoM-o/U3lYeYwSPGI/AAAAAAAACt0/VOZwXW-SG9I/s1600/DTE+Energy+Comparison.jpg" width="640"></img></a></div>
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<div class="separator">Despite the extreme record breaking cold this winter, we still saved nearly 50% energy compared to the home prior to the remodel and about the same compared to conventional homes in West Michigan.</div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKEZKIoM-o/U3lYeYwSPGI/AAAAAAAACt0/VOZwXW-SG9I/s1600/DTE+Energy+Comparison.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKEZKIoM-o/U3lYeYwSPGI/AAAAAAAACt0/VOZwXW-SG9I/s1600/DTE+Energy+Comparison.jpg" height="356" width="640"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUsB5bMn2ZM/U3lYc4EyE1I/AAAAAAAACtw/XEALYgHCUVU/s1600/Consumers+Energy+Comparison.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUsB5bMn2ZM/U3lYc4EyE1I/AAAAAAAACtw/XEALYgHCUVU/s1600/Consumers+Energy+Comparison.jpg" height="490" width="640"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRYjsLlUrJE/U3lZiR-BlCI/AAAAAAAACuA/OLaS4DFcNqg/s1600/Energy+Saving+Grand+Rapids+Green+Home+Retrofit+2013+vs+2014.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRYjsLlUrJE/U3lZiR-BlCI/AAAAAAAACuA/OLaS4DFcNqg/s1600/Energy+Saving+Grand+Rapids+Green+Home+Retrofit+2013+vs+2014.JPG" height="358" width="640"/></a></div>
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<div class="separator">Home Energy Rating System Index (HERS) for the home was 63 after upgrades. A Standard built to code home is 85. <a href="http://www.alliancees.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/HERS-Certificate-HERC-post-Improvement.pdf" target="_blank">See our certificate here</a>. This shows the home is estimated to use 21,000 kilowatt hours over energy (kWH) a year for both gas and electric combined.</div>
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<div class="separator"><a href="http://www.alliancees.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grand-Rapids-Green-Home-Retrofit-MPGEH-EPS-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">The Residential Energy Performance Score</a> on it was 46 out of 70 which also correlates for about 24,000 kWH per year. These scores completed home performance professionals represent an asset rating per home, actual mileage may very. Because we operate our house more efficiently than the average homeowner we actually show above that we used less, only at 15,000 a year. The average home in MI uses about 39k with average in the Midwest at 37K/.</div>
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<div class="separator"><b>How did we get here? What did it cost? </b></div>
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<div class="separator">Insulation + Air sealing + New Door $7,587</div>
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<ul>
<li>Spray Foamed Attic with 20% beat and cane sugar product. </li>
<li>Blow in Cellulose Walls </li>
<li>Foam Rim Band Join </li>
<li>Foam + Ecocell Basement Walls </li>
<li>Caulk Base boards + Windows </li>
<li>Air seal, tighten and install fiberglass door </li>
<li>Storm Windows - $1,000 </li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator"><b>Total - Heat Loss Mitigation Improvements $8,587.00 </b></div>
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<div class="separator">Trane Furnace (+ better filter) $4,225 </div>
<div class="separator">Trane A/C $3,626 </div>
<div class="separator">AO Smith Water Heater $2,872</div>
<div class="separator">Comfort Link II Thermostat $1,200</div>
<div class="separator">Panasonic Whisper Welcome Bath Fan $330.00 </div>
<div class="separator">Shipping $525.00</div>
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<div class="separator"><b>Total Heating, Ventilation &amp; Cooling $12,778 (not counting Ultimate Air ERV)</b></div>
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<div class="separator"><b>Total Appliance - Condensing Washer + Dryer $2,500</b></div>
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<div class="separator"><b>LED Lighting Upgrade - 16 Lights - $160.00 (with warranty)</b></div>
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<div class="separator"><b>Total $24,025.00 or $16.00 a square foot. </b></div>
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<div class="separator"><span>Payback is roughly 15 to 20 years with projected energy cost inflation.</span></div>
<div class="separator"><span> </span></div>
<div class="separator"><span>How do we recoup the long ROI if we don't stay in the house? </span></div>
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<div class="separator">Your home will be valued higher if you can show your have a better energy score and/or a green home certification. You don't have to stay in your home that long to recoup your investment, green homes and energy efficient homes sell for 2 to 9% more and don't sit on the market as long if they are appraised by a green appraiser and put on a <a href="http://www.greenthemls.org/" target="_blank">green MLS</a> (Main home sale listing site). West Michigan just recently greened theirs and so did all of MN and part of WI! </div>
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<div class="separator"><b>Summary &amp; Lessons Learned<br/><br/></b></div>
<div class="separator">You don't need to by the top of the line energy efficiency products to achieve these same goals or near them. With a little more research, time and avoiding the need to get the most efficient HVAC we could have achieved these goals just the same. </div>
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<div class="separator"><b>What would we have done different? </b></div>
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<div class="separator">#1 - Purchase a conventional energy star 30 or 40 gallon tank water heater with seal combustion. Tankless water heaters have a lot of maintenance to them and are expense, especially in retrofits and they often require extensive piping changes for water and gas.</div>
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<div class="separator">The AO Smith on demand water heater NEXT was very expensive to buy, has had frequent and expensive failures and poor customer service with their company. We went without water for a week! Thanks to our plumber Deweerd VanDyk for being awesome during these frustrating time and dealing with this product and us. I'll admit it is very efficient but not worth the up keep<i>. </i></div>
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<div class="separator">#2 Furnace &amp; A/C do not have to be this efficient. Try a SEER 13 or 14 and use a 2 stage furnace with an ECM blower still at 95%. Make sure it is sealed Consider mini splits in your existing duct work if you can make your house super tight. </div>
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<div class="separator">#3 DYI - Caulking, blowing in insulation, air sealing the attic and rim band joist with a can of great stuff can knock thousands off the cost! Take a little time, watch youtube for ideas and seal it yourself! Still make sure you call in your energy auditor to ensure everything is tightened up. Using conventional spray foam is for trained professionals, can be very expensive and can decrease indoor air qualifity, dry blow in cellulose in your attic and eco cell cellulose batt insulation in your rim band joist! </div>
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<div class="separator">#4 - Avoid Startrek Thermostats - Just go with the nest or even a low cost thermostat. You don't need a computer screen on your wall and you don't need a weather channel report either with radar in your thermostat. What a scam!</div>
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<div class="separator">#5 - Use the<a href="http://www.usgreenstar.org/" target="_blank"> GreenStar remodeling</a> program and make sure your rater and your HVAC, Plumber, Electrician, Insulators are on board early and have at least 1 or 2 meetings to discuss the plans and the project. Lack of communication equals time wasted, errors and problems down the road that could be fixed in the start. This program also generate easy scopes of works for the team to follow and accountability forms for them to sign off on once completed. </div>
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<div class="separator">#6 - Utilize your consumers energy smart meter to understand how electricity is being used. It compares you to other homes in the area of similar size and can give you a day by day energy reading. This helps you understand how much power is being used while everyone is gone or sleeping and seeing what simple things you can uplug or shut down, that are wasting you money. DTE energy can also provide good data on your gas usage comparison as well.</div>
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<div class="separator">I challenge you to take me on! I know this jerk in Ann Arbor Matt Grocoff is kicking our A$$ with his 110 year old home remodel that puts more energy back on the grid than it takes, even when driving his electric volt and charging it at his house.<a href="http://www.mattgrocoff.com/mission-zero-house/" target="_blank"> http://www.mattgrocoff.com/mission-zero-house/</a></div>
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<div class="separator">Curse you Matt Grocoff! I will build the Mission Positive house some day and we will see whose greener.</div>Residential Green Valuation Toolstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-05-26:6069565:BlogPost:1577332014-05-26T13:30:00.000ZSandra K. Adomatis, SRAhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/SandraKAdomatisSRA
<p>Ever wonder how appraisers develop value of houses with green or energy efficient features? <a href="http://appraisalinstitute.org/residential-green-valuation-tools/" target="_blank">Residential Green Valuation Tools</a> was published last month by the Appraisal Institute. The 189-page book has 13 chapters that address the most often asked questions about the valuation process and green building. As the author of the book, I found the challenge of writing this book a great learning and…</p>
<p>Ever wonder how appraisers develop value of houses with green or energy efficient features? <a href="http://appraisalinstitute.org/residential-green-valuation-tools/" target="_blank">Residential Green Valuation Tools</a> was published last month by the Appraisal Institute. The 189-page book has 13 chapters that address the most often asked questions about the valuation process and green building. As the author of the book, I found the challenge of writing this book a great learning and networking tool. The topic became a passion for me six years ago. It is difficult to analyze something that you do not understand. My challenge was to discover how the green rating building science compared to the building science of the standard building code. Appraisers must understand this distinction because the typical energy efficient home often must be appraised using sales that are traditional code-built houses that do not possess the same degree of energy efficiency. The book has tables, studies, short stories, and charts that simplify the concepts in a way that is more meaningful to the reader. If we could articulate the benefits of a high performance house (an energy efficient and/or green house) in a simple way that buyers in the market could understand, the demand for them would dramatically increase.</p>
<p>The first chapter starts with the basics of defining green building and the six elements of green building. With all the green wash in the market, the basics of what green building is must start the conversation. This chapter is followed by identifying the challenges appraisers have in valuing green and energy efficient houses. Understanding the challenges of valuing these homes will help the real estate professionals understand how they might assist in overcoming the challenges.</p>
<p>Appraisers have requirements to be competent prior to accepting an assignment for the secondary mortgage market such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA also requires competency prior to accepting an assignment. VA is the only one that does not require competency in the property type prior to accepting the assignment. A chapter discusses the competency requirements with references that support the statements. The lender is held responsible for hiring a competent appraiser even if they use an Appraisal Management Company (AMC). Simply stated, competency is not accomplished using an appraiser rotation list.</p>
<p>A chapter is dedicated to illustrating the tools appraisers have in developing value for energy efficiency or other green features. If the real estate professionals understood the tools appraisers can use and the data required to use the tools, it might give them ideas of how to make data more accessible. Real estate agents and builders should spend some time in this section and consider what they have in their files that may not be reaching the appraiser.</p>
<p>Chapter 6 has an extensive description on how to complete the Appraisal Institute (AI) Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum (ARGEEA). The ARGEEA is a communication tool that enhances the typical appraisal form used by lenders, the 1004, that does not address the green features and only has two references to energy efficiency. The ARGEEA is being more widely used in the market by builders, appraisers, real estate agents, homeowners, and retrofit contractors. Those new to completing the form often have questions on how to complete the ARGEEA and this book will answer their questions by providing resources and illustrations on how to add meaningful statements about the data provided.</p>
<p>Steps to solving the problems many markets experience with this new building technology are identified. Chapter 12 identifies steps to a more efficient transaction for a high performance property. Emphasis on networking with all real estate professionals is key to success. For too long the builders, appraisers, real estate agents, energy raters, and lenders have had little interaction. The public will become more knowledgeable about the energy efficient or high performance house once all the real estate partners have the ability to articulate the benefits. Real estate agents are the best group to move the high performance message to the public. </p>
<p>Last week, I lead two workshops in Oklahoma where builders, real estate agents, appraisers, and energy raters spent seven hours reviewing their market challenges for an energy efficient house. One builder made the comment that he had never attended an event where so many different real estate groups came together. He asked why these groups had never worked together before. Every person in the room could identify something that they have in their files or ability to collect to assist in the data gathering problems appraisers face. </p>
<p>The target audience for the book is appraisers, real estate agents, builders, energy raters, lenders, and home owners. If you are facing difficulties in your market and need a resource to learn how you can make a difference, this book is for you. </p>The SmartGauge Revolutiontag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-05-09:6069565:BlogPost:1563492014-05-09T15:18:22.000Zj. westhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/jwest
<p dir="ltr"><span>Detroit, ACI 2014</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Chances are you were at the ASHRAE 62.2 debate, if you were at ACI last Thursday morning. While you were venting about exhaust or listening to Dr Joe drop F-bombs there was a quiet revolution taking place in room 330.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The WiFi revolution.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Retrotec and The Energy Conservatory - the two giants of pressure diagnostic tools- collaborated to show us the future. A future…</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Detroit, ACI 2014</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Chances are you were at the ASHRAE 62.2 debate, if you were at ACI last Thursday morning. While you were venting about exhaust or listening to Dr Joe drop F-bombs there was a quiet revolution taking place in room 330.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The WiFi revolution.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Retrotec and The Energy Conservatory - the two giants of pressure diagnostic tools- collaborated to show us the future. A future where a manometer is a “SmartGauge” that runs any test and logs the data into an Excel spreadsheet sans manual entry. It is a future where audit and quality control reports are created and saved instantly online. The process is intuitive and user friendly, a future where we test smarter with better results.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>For Retrotec the future is here. Joe Medosch &amp; J West took the risk to use a smartphone for the entire presentation - demonstrating live how a common smartphone can act as a remote control for the gauge, a WiFi hotspot and an internet connection. This allows the user to simultaneously control multiple SmartGauges remotely, connect to the internet and share the screen (showing the Virtual Gauge app), use the camera on the tablet to show the actual fan setup to anywhere in the world, and of course send the test data to the cloud. Retrotec’s smart gauges and supporting apps provide a new take on testing ducts for leakage to the outside with a tablet computer</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Joe also mentioned that Retrotec is almost ready to launch beta testing what they call the rCloud. An intuitive tablet app with a web based storage system that will perform a RESNET test and save the results online and display the location on an interactive map. The user enters the street address and zip code - the rCloud app then goes to the nearest weather station and gets the outside temperature and similar conditions. rCloud also queries Zillow for the age and square footage of the house.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1fe0eb60-e18d-d651-c04e-b5ced53aac94"><span>The next generation of testing and QA is here, SmartGauges and intuitive software are starting a revolution.</span></span></p>Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Releases Sponsor Guide and Reference Manual v1.5tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-03-19:6069565:BlogPost:1522352014-03-19T17:55:10.000ZCortney Krausshttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/CortneyKrauss
<p>The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hpwes_sponsor_guide" target="_blank">Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Sponsor Guide and Reference Manual (v1.5)</a> (Sponsor Guide), a technical operations guide for the national Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.</p>
<p><br></br>First conceptually introduced at the 2012 ACI National Home Performance conference in Baltimore, Md., the Sponsor Guide is the result of more than…</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hpwes_sponsor_guide" target="_blank">Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Sponsor Guide and Reference Manual (v1.5)</a> (Sponsor Guide), a technical operations guide for the national Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.</p>
<p><br/>First conceptually introduced at the 2012 ACI National Home Performance conference in Baltimore, Md., the Sponsor Guide is the result of more than two years of industry engagement. The final document, developed over the past year, required extensive program evaluation and stakeholder engagement. It provides a platform for implementing a whole house approach for achieving energy efficiency and improved performance in homes. The release of the Sponsor Guide marks a major milestone in the national program’s development and we are excited to share it with you. Furthermore, the national program believes for years to come, it will be a valuable document for the industry.</p>
<p>On the Sponsor Resources webpage, you can download the following documents:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/downloads/HPwES_Sponsor_Guide_v1-5.pdf?7c96-1dba" target="_blank">Complete operations guide including minimum requirements and recommended approaches for implementation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/downloads/HPwES_Min_Req_Worksheet.pdf?36fc-ef17" target="_blank">Quick reference tool of minimum requirements for all Home Performance with ENERGY STAR programs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/downloads/HPwES_Min_Req_for_Compliance.pdf?8674-1882" target="_blank">Minimum requirements for compliance including narrative for specifications</a></li>
</ul>
<p>All industry participants are invited to use Sponsor Guide. It is organized by seven sections, covering:</p>
<ol>
<li>Use and Management of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Mark</li>
<li>Program Design and Development</li>
<li>Workforce Development and Support</li>
<li>The Assessment</li>
<li>Project Installation</li>
<li>Quality Assurance</li>
<li>Tracking and Reporting</li>
</ol>
<p>Each of these sections includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>A detailed narrative of program requirements and checklists outlining the program’s minimum requirements.</li>
<li>Recommended approaches, including optional guidance for implementation and suggested strategies based on lessons learned from successful residential programs nationwide.</li>
</ul>
<p>DOE’s goal in developing and releasing the new Sponsor Guide is to clarify the rules of participation in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program, thereby improving the consistency of program implementation around the country. In addition to developing the guide, DOE provides <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes_sponsors" target="_blank">tools, templates, and recommended guidance</a> to: help reduce the administrative burden of program delivery; empower participating businesses to be as successful as possible; and enhance the value for homeowners. Current program participants will have one year to comply with the requirements set forth in the Sponsor Guide in order to remain active participants in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.</p>
<p><br/>Thank you for your work that improves the lives of homeowners by providing solutions to improve the performance of homes nationwide.</p>
<p>Questions or comments? Email <a href="mailto:homeperformance@energystar.gov">homeperformance@energystar.gov</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/hpwes" target="_blank">www.energystar.gov/hpwes</a></p>Solar and wind have a new best friend - Liquid Metal Batteriestag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-02-04:6069565:BlogPost:1482782014-02-04T03:00:00.000ZJoseph Lamyhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/JosephLamy
<div class="caption--floating" style="display: none;"><span class="caption__body">Dirt-cheap elements store power in compact density</span><span class="caption__credit">Ambri</span></div>
<div class="date date--created">As reliable energy sources, solar and wind once had a couple of similar problems – darkness all night and the proverbial calm before the storm, respectively. On the bright side, though, when these natural forces become our power sources, then the heat and the light are free -…</div>
<div class="caption--floating" style="display: none;"><span class="caption__body">Dirt-cheap elements store power in compact density</span><span class="caption__credit">Ambri</span></div>
<div class="date date--created">As reliable energy sources, solar and wind once had a couple of similar problems – darkness all night and the proverbial calm before the storm, respectively. On the bright side, though, when these natural forces become our power sources, then the heat and the light are free - free as the wind blows. Today, solar and wind have a new best friend - Liquid Metal Batteries.</div>
<div class="node__content cf"><div class="article-content article-content--story node--story"><div class="article__body cf"><p><strong>MIT prof creates Liquid Metal Battery</strong></p>
<p>Liquid metal batteries can store that power in dirt-cheap materials and respond to the intermittent flows. They can provide grid-sized storage in small volumes. With liquid metal technology, various inputs and outputs have a reliable cushion to maintain perfect flow when the sun goes down and the wind stops blowing.</p>
<p>MIT professor Donald Sadoway, inventor of the <a href="http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Sadoways-MIT-Liquid-Metal-Battery-Startup-Adds-15M-and-Khosla-Ventures-as" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Liquid Metal Battery (LMB</a>), changed the name of his company to <a href="http://www.ambri.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ambri</a> last year and landed encouraging private contracts along with significant capital infusion. Ambri is creating a clear path for many across a turbulent sea of clashes in the volatile energy world.</p>
<p>In 2005 Professor Sadoway, trained as a metallurgist, found the immense size of aluminum smelting as the solution to the problem of electric storage on a mass scale.</p>
<p>Aluminum smelters consume huge amounts of energy and work with material in liquid states when their capacity for electric storage is far greater and more durable than with solid storage.</p>
<p>LMB technology is an inverted version of smelting, aimed at controlling flow of electricity in varying temperatures of alloying metals, rather than controlling temperature of those metals by varying the flow of electricity, as in smelting.</p>
<p><strong>“I looked at that and said, ‘Wow, that looks like half of a battery! And it’s big, it’s scalable, and it’s cheap.’”</strong></p>
<p>LMBs can store and retrieve large amounts of electricity with excellent efficiency in a relatively small space. They store electrons by using two liquid metals and a liquid salt in between them. Ambri uses low-cost materials to create highly practical storage with portability, unlike the competition today.</p>
<p>Most (99%) of the grid-storage of electrical energy consists of pumping water up during periods of low-cost power and then releasing it to generate electricity during peak periods when electricity rates rise. These operations require site-specific geographic features but little money.</p>
<p><strong>LMB technology creates new planning options without utility constraints.</strong></p>
<p>Picture a neighborhood with 100 homes and small businesses with solar arrays on several community parking garages, carports, houses, malls, and open-air pavilions in a park. A few wind generators dot the hilltops and rim the parking lots. No power lines connect to the grid, just a toe-print shining on a hill.</p>
<p>The local LMB, roughly the size of a phone booth, handles the juice. In that phone booth awaits <strong>SuperStream</strong>, an ordinary mild-mannered molten alloy, ready at a moment’s notice to bust out as a stream of electrons to leap tall buildings in a single bound with more power than a locomotive.</p>
<p><strong>Solar and wind catch the power; LMBs store it until you want it</strong></p>
<p>Since the beginning, our Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) have been the primary supplier, and most consumers have been mostly just consuming. As solar and wind eat into the market, IOUs are moving towards <a href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/" rel="nofollow">‘back-up’ position</a> - paying for infra-structure with a shrinking pool of clients while facing a serious threat to their traditional business model in the changing times.</p>
<p><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/08/13/2455121/solar-getting-cheaper/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels improved significantly</a> in efficiency as they dropped in price over 90% in the last 20 years. Some wind energy systems are simple projects with online manuals and videos (such as <a href="http://svhotwire.com/kiss-high-ouput-wind-generator/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KISS</a><u>)</u> spawning numerous weekend wind warriors to wire up the breeze. Utilities are scrambling to slow the flow to solar and wind.</p>
<p>Under <a href="http://energylaw.uslegal.com/government-regulation-and-programs/purpa/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PURPA</a> laws, IOUs offer clients a ‘tie-in’ and ‘reasonable rates’ for electricity-generation systems (solar, wind and bio-mass) to share the grid. LMBs change everything, as their storage capacity puts communities in charge of their own power from available resources stored in their LMB. No stinkin’ utility company needed.</p>
<p><strong>Hawaii project to link LMBs with roof-top solar and wind - A visionary’s Win-Win</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://westhawaiitoday.com/news/local-news/solar-panel-installations-push-electric-utilities-brink" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hawaii has over-loaded its system</a> during peak hours by accepting electricity onto the grid from just 5% of its homes - those with roof-top solar. Not only does this tiny fraction of homes and small businesses no longer require electricity during the sunny peak periods, but they also have some left-over juice to dump onto the grid. When it rains, it pours.</p>
<p>Hawaii has no fossil deposits. For decades, Hawaiians depended on oil imports. Along comes Ambri with a liquid metal battery to store some energy from the sun and wind as electrons, to handle the need without the expensive oil dependency, and to rely on free deliveries daily, to float on a ‘power cushion’ of LMBs.</p>
<p>As solar and wind have dropped in installed price, Hawaii’s only problem is limited grid capacity. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=-FnW1yerJ6I" rel="nofollow">Ambri’s contract with Hawaii</a> will let the sun shine in while LMBs store power from abundant sun and breeze in liquid metal batteries. They may liberate our island state from the grip of oil and reduce the highest rates in the US.</p>
<p><strong>Office of Naval Research contracts for LMBs to manage power at Joint Base Cape Cod</strong></p>
<p>In Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Ambri also landed a contract with the Office of Naval Research for energy storage in conjunction with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. By 2015, a liquid metal battery the size of a shipping container will manage multiple inputs from Cape Cod’s onsite solar and wind generation facilities while supplying numerous fluctuating outputs on a massive scale, powering parts of <a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/the-smarter-grid/a-liquid-metal-battery-for-grid-storage-nears-production" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">military base operations</a> with uninterrupted service. </p>
<p>Multi-national corporations, governments and utilities are watching the results of these installations. As <a href="http://www.ambri.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ambri</a> has leveraged startup money for such projects, they are also building larger manufacturing facilities to handle the demand. They have funding from Bill Gates, venture capitalist Khosla and French energy giant Total.</p>
<p>Durable and reliable, these efficient and long-lasting storage units of electrical power are now available in the break-through technology for storing electrons in dirt-cheap elements available universally – <strong>Liquid Metal Batteries</strong>.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>New RESNET Requirementstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2014-01-14:6069565:BlogPost:1484422014-01-14T08:30:00.000ZEverblue Traininghttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/everblue
<p>On December 4, 2013, the RESNET Board adopted several proposed amendments that went into effect on January 4, 2014. These amendments changed the requirements for becoming a certified RESNET HERS Rater. Old requirements for becoming a Rater included passing the National Rater Core Exam, completing two probationary ratings during classroom training, and agreeing to the Quality Assurance (QA) Process with a Quality Assurance Provider, a process that includes completing three probationary…</p>
<p>On December 4, 2013, the RESNET Board adopted several proposed amendments that went into effect on January 4, 2014. These amendments changed the requirements for becoming a certified RESNET HERS Rater. Old requirements for becoming a Rater included passing the National Rater Core Exam, completing two probationary ratings during classroom training, and agreeing to the Quality Assurance (QA) Process with a Quality Assurance Provider, a process that includes completing three probationary ratings. New requirements for becoming a Rater include all of these previous requirements and three additional requirements.</p>
<p><strong>RESNET Combustion Safety</strong></p>
<p><img height="75" width="206" align="right" alt="RESNET-logo" src="http://www.everblue.edu/sites/default/files/u106669/new-resnet-logo.jpg"/>Two of the new pieces include additional exams covering RESNET combustion safety. First, a Rater Candidate must now pass the RESNET Combustion Safety Written Exam. Preparation for this is now included in the Everblue 2014 RESNET course. We will also include this exam as a part of the class. Additionally, a Rater Candidate must also pass the RESNET Combustion Safety Simulation Exam. We will train you for this exam as well and pay for this exam. However, it is important to know that this exam must be administered after class by a third-party proctor.</p>
<p><strong>Probationary Ratings</strong></p>
<p>The third new requirement for becoming a Rater deals with the probationary ratings. A Rater must still complete three probationary ratings with a QA Provider; however, as of January 4, 2014, all new Raters must have one of their three probationary ratings performed in the presence of a RESNET Quality Assurance Designee (QAD).</p>
<p><strong>Everblue Offers Solutions: Introducing our New RESNET Probationary Rater Workshop</strong></p>
<p>Although these new requirements may seem complicated, our Everblue team has been hard at work to learn the details of these new changes and has updated our RESNET program to account for these new requirements. We have recently introduced a <a href="http://www.everblue.edu/resnet-probationary-rater-workshop">RESNET Probationary Rater Workshop</a>. This two-day experience is aimed at taking someone from one of our RESNET classes and getting them through the RESNET process as easily and quickly as possible. Students will not be doing any testing during these two days, but they will complete two of the three probationary ratings and a third rating as homework. With Everblue training, you can rest assured that we will guide you through this new process and provide support to you every step of the way.</p>
<p><img height="390" width="467" alt="How-to-Become-a-RESNET-HERS-Rater-Infographic" src="http://www.everblue.edu/sites/default/files/u106669/How-to-Become-a-RESNET-HERS-Rater-Infographic.png"/></p>
<p>If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-800-460-2575 or e-mail your questions to <a href="mailto:info@everblue.edu">info@everblue.edu</a>. You can also visit the <a href="http://www.everblue.edu/energy-auditor/resnet-hers-rater-training">RESNET HERS Rater page</a> on our website to learn more about our RESNET HERS Rater course.</p>Intelligence, Connectivity, Efficiency – the new ICE Age in Energy Management!tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-10-30:6069565:BlogPost:1400402013-10-30T06:21:29.000ZEshwar Parasuramanhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EshwarParasuraman
<p>Energy is needed everywhere – be it industry, agriculture, homes, buildings, infrastructure or services. Even as we grapple with the twin-headed monster of rising energy demand and ravaging carbon emission, we are only left with Hobson’s choice – the need to manage energy efficiently.</p>
<p> …</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p>Energy is needed everywhere – be it industry, agriculture, homes, buildings, infrastructure or services. Even as we grapple with the twin-headed monster of rising energy demand and ravaging carbon emission, we are only left with Hobson’s choice – the need to manage energy efficiently.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMB54zpDuPtm48enbkZKGAxHBLNRCwQUrv39cirPidro-X*MzJXRrXoP8Z8Yc3H7KAoTA-B-z1xTCNp755*VrZyP/EnergyManagementLifecycle.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMB54zpDuPtm48enbkZKGAxHBLNRCwQUrv39cirPidro-X*MzJXRrXoP8Z8Yc3H7KAoTA-B-z1xTCNp755*VrZyP/EnergyManagementLifecycle.jpg" width="300"/></a></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/WW/en/sol/4665633-energy-management-solutions">Energy Management</a></b> is no longer just an intellectual debate. It is a critically conditioned action, spanning as it does across the broad spectrum of energy - generation, transmission, distribution and consumption.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The field of application can be spread across any kind of enterprise – from a mega power generating station to a big electrical utility, from a sprawling industrial facility to a large mining company, from a busy hospital complex to a bustling city infrastructure management and so on. Whatever be the activity, the vital aspect everywhere is service continuity backed up by reliability, security and sustainability.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Intelligence</b>, <b>Connectivity</b> and <b>Efficiency</b> form the troika of Energy Management. They mark the key features of today’s integrated energy system framework.</p>
<p> <br/><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMDI1Ll9aTh*9KyIbsIgDVyYND6DP7HAqpuBsECY0Ac2uKHG44PTzTLmYr*Ph7AGCOVFT*2HOTeOCc1EW6b2i7BQ/SchniederElectricActiveEnergyManagement.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMDI1Ll9aTh*9KyIbsIgDVyYND6DP7HAqpuBsECY0Ac2uKHG44PTzTLmYr*Ph7AGCOVFT*2HOTeOCc1EW6b2i7BQ/SchniederElectricActiveEnergyManagement.jpg?width=750" width="611" height="322"/></a></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/corporate/en/products-services/automation-control/automation-control.page">Intelligence</a></b> comes from automation devices in the various processes, solutions and software controlling the dynamics of an operation. High-performance remote management PLCs, for example, manage telemetry and communication, enabling transmission of data between remote sites and the central supervisory system. The complexity, criticality and magnitude of today’s systems require smart solutions to control and command operational effectiveness.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMCAW33bFvZDewaluPwBGPE4N6aKngCAmWfumEEs217kq-hEyLh1qEYj-KwxXIeS09vrrsCY0oqtbyCWZSovowgH/Clear_Scada_Internal.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMCAW33bFvZDewaluPwBGPE4N6aKngCAmWfumEEs217kq-hEyLh1qEYj-KwxXIeS09vrrsCY0oqtbyCWZSovowgH/Clear_Scada_Internal.jpg?width=750" width="644" height="398"/></a>The integrated architecture provides the <b><a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/app/4664756-it-room-management/153519891-network-connectivity">Connectivity</a></b> needed to operate and manage the entire system. Like cogs of a wheel, the various components of a network are inter-linked by standard communication protocols and other media like cable, GSM, modems, radio, satellite and internet. Today’s network connectivity demands advanced transmission capabilities supporting high bandwidth, scalability, cost effectiveness and easy installation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMCB4kooHfJSOUjQUXM61M6V5iZsgDBKJTlDm2L7oN8c5fTXAmTZ613Zud3Ntc0-s338ntJJ1tu-KM9iwzavbd79/energyefficiencybanner.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Lq-MVtloOMCB4kooHfJSOUjQUXM61M6V5iZsgDBKJTlDm2L7oN8c5fTXAmTZ613Zud3Ntc0-s338ntJJ1tu-KM9iwzavbd79/energyefficiencybanner.jpg?width=750" width="673" height="131"/></a></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/edi/4871804-leading-the-way-in-energy-efficiency">Efficiency</a></b> can be realized through the use of <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/group/sustainable-development-and-foundation/planet-and-society-barometer/planet/green-premium.page">Green</a> and eco-design products for sustainability and a plethora of solutions for saving energy – <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/dom/4664786-building-management">Building Management</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/customers/designers/energy-efficiency-solution-for-buildings/lighting-control.page">Lighting Control</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/customers/designers/energy-efficiency-solution-for-buildings/hvac-control.page">HVAC Control</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/dom/4664816-security-management">Security Management</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/app/4664816-security-management/4876123-access-control">Access Control</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/app/4664726-process-machines-management/4878396-process-management-systems">Process Management</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/7200-cooling-solutions/">Cooling</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/app/4664756-it-room-management/17141576-surveillance-and-environmental-monitoring">Surveillance and Environmental Monitoring</a>, <a href="http://www.schneider-electric.com/solutions/ww/en/sol/4665707-struxureware-for-data-centers-software">Data Center Management</a> and so forth. Such smart solutions also deliver significant savings and optimize total cost of ownership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What really matters in the end are committed actions of people in charge of entities and establishments to drive energy management by installing and implementing appropriate products and solutions in their facilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sustainability is not mere rhetoric, it spells good economics. The compelling – albeit <i>competing</i> – needs of <b>meeting increasing energy demand while reducing our carbon footprint</b> can only be met through smart solutions and technologies that deliver <b><i>intelligence, connectivity</i></b> and <b><i>efficiency</i></b>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Everyone’s requirement is everyone’s responsibility.</p>Solar Energy + Energy Efficiency – time to sing the Duet?tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-12:6069565:BlogPost:1139702013-04-12T07:12:44.000ZBijou Lullahttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/BijouLulla
<p><img alt="Energy Efficiency + Solar Energy work in conjunction allowing you to SAVE ENERGY" src="http://yoursolarsalesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Solar-1-300x200.jpg"></img></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Solar Energy + Energy Efficiency Services – to DO or NOT to DO – is no more a Shakespearean dilemma!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">The SMB solar installer finds himself in a challenging spot today</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Profitability hurts, some operators are working on a…</span></li>
</ul>
<p><img src="http://yoursolarsalesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Solar-1-300x200.jpg" alt="Energy Efficiency + Solar Energy work in conjunction allowing you to SAVE ENERGY"/></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Solar Energy + Energy Efficiency Services – to DO or NOT to DO – is no more a Shakespearean dilemma!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">The SMB solar installer finds himself in a challenging spot today</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Profitability hurts, some operators are working on a negative margin</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">The bid:close ratio as per some surveys is now at 7:1 i.e. every eighth bid is successful.</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">There are a new set of players in the market – General Contractors who are bidding aggressively</span></li>
<li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Financial Supermarts like SolarCity who originate finance deals at lower costs &amp; offer all inclusive services</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Solar Energy is about Building Relationships!</h2>
<p><img src="http://yoursolarsalesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Think-Relationships-Not-Transactions-300x104.png" alt="Think Relationships &amp; Not Transactions"/></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Let’s take a leaf out of SolarCity’s book; their profits are back loaded i.e. recovered over the customer relationship spread over the average lease period of 20 years (the first hold on the cash flow is of the Financial Investors aka Tax Equity Investors who usually get paid off in 5-6 years); whereas many of the costs are frontloaded. In fact SolarCity is already thinking of year 21 to 30 (solar leases mature in 20 years); as there is a mismatch between the equipment life of 30 years and the lease which dies in year 20. So that is 10 years of additional revenues waiting to be earned which is not being discounted today. SolarCity views their customers through a prism of 30 years and focuses on up-selling &amp; cross-selling opportunities through this journey.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">General Contractors are the other players on the block who are foraying aggressively in the domain of Solar Installers – they already have the pipes laid to the customers backyards in terms of their relationship with customers and the frequency of their service to them over the years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Note that in both cases – one is focused on building long term relationships; the other is focused on utilizing these relationships to fulfill the needs of their customers!</span></p>
<h2>Energy Efficiency as a Service:</h2>
<p><img src="http://yoursolarsalesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/origin_6882037149-300x140.jpg" alt="origin_6882037149"/></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">So where does this lead the SMB installers – it is time to invest in customer relationships to be in the game for the long haul. Most installations are ONE-OFF sales, to build customer relationship it is important to diversify your services so as to offer some ‘stickiness’ component in order to ‘own’ the customer and address all his energy needs over the period of his solar installation of 20-25 years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">So the new mantra should be THINK 25 years! How will it be possible to generate recurring revenue with the association you have established with the customer, so that this association builds into a longer term relationship! Long term is win-win and profitable!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><b>Energy Efficiency </b>is one such service that works complimentary with Solar Energy installations. Though described as ‘unsexy’ and ‘boring’, this ‘bolt-on’ service have the following advantages:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><em>It is the bottom of the barrel solution to address the consumers energy needs, energy reduction coupled with lower cost energy is surely a win-win</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><em>When you work with lowering of energy consumption (Energy Efficiency) and lowering of energy costs (Solar Energy) – this increases the Solar Energy investment IRR – which is a double win-win</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><em>The cycle of appliances and material upgrades of homes averages 3-5 years – thus increasing the probability of offering home audits services (recurring revenues) few years down the line. Maybe even marketing some energy efficient products, or demand management solutions (aka smart grid)when they come online, now we are creating multiple opportunities to service this same customer over a 20-30 year cycle </em></span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Of Requirements &amp; Capabilities:</h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">One often hears that Energy efficiency services require different set of competencies and capabilities; this is almost not true.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Energy efficiency encompasses a broad swath of activities right from; auditing to data analysis, to design, to installations, to appliances, etc. for which is required diverse skill sets. Some typical low hanging jobs include Duct sealing, insulation, new controls, new windows and new refrigerator</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Many of these job skills can be leveraged by managers, plumbers and electricians with some on the job training.</span></p>
<h2> Operations Synergy:</h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">There is a realization that Energy Efficiency programs blend well with Solar Energy Installations; recently SolarNexus a California-based business management software company, believe that more companies will start offering efficiency services if they have the right sales tools. This week, SolarNexus launched new offerings designed to help contractors manage leads for a whole range of products, including energy efficiency, grey-water management, and electric vehicle charging stations. The company had initially focused on the solar PV and solar thermal market, but is now expanding its software to give small and mid-sized solar contractors a chance to branch out and model new types of services.</span><br/><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Read more at <a title="Solar Nexus" href="http://cleantechnica.com/2013/03/30/solar-companies-ripe-to-add-energy-efficiency-focus/#P1QllvlzPdwiyhxA.99" target="_blank">http://cleantechnica.com/2013/03/30/solar-companies-ripe-to-add-energy-efficiency-focus/#P1QllvlzPdwiyhxA.99 </a></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Profits and Margins:</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Energy efficiency services can be segmented into Energy Efficiency Evaluations is usually billed at $300-$500, and Energy Efficiency upgrades which programs which run in the ballpark of $500-$2000. Installers can also choose to provide Energy Efficiency Evaluations complimentary and as a gateway to selling bigger Solar Energy systems.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">As this is a skills job; gross margins for such services usually runs at <strong>35%+</strong> depending on the job/s criteria.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Win for the Consumer:</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">Virtually every state encourages Energy Efficiency programs and supports them liberally with incentives to induce customers. A cursory look at California’s programs include a variety of incentives that range from:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">•Property Tax Incentives •Sales Tax Incentives •PACE Financing •Soft Loans •Lease Financing •Etc</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">All these incentives are designed to reduce the cost of participation in Energy Efficiency programs for the consumer.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"> Future Potential:</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">The Energy Efficiency Evaluations market is growing at a robust pace and is expected to be worth US$100 billion by 2017. One look at the recent SolarCity 2012 numbers only corroborates that view - revenue from sales of energy efficiency products and services increased by $6.0 million to $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">So what may seem to be fuddy-duddy and boring may just be the catalyst to position you as an Integrated Energy Solutions provider.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"><img src="http://yoursolarsalesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Reduce-Energy-Consumption-+-Save-Energy-Costs-300x225.png" alt="Win Win for the Consumer"/></span></p>BPI Building Analyst Training & Certification Coursetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-04-11:6069565:BlogPost:1139432013-04-11T15:10:58.000ZGreen Training USAhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/RachelleMoran
<p><strong>BPI Building Analyst Training &amp; Certification</strong></p>
<p>This course provides the training you need to become certified as a BPI Building Analyst Professional.<br></br>You will be able to perform a thorough building analysis and provide work scope recommendations to save energy, improve comfort and increase a home's safety and durability.<br></br>Your BPI Building Analyst credentials will qualify your clients for a variety of incentive programs.</p>
<p><br></br><strong>Benefits of the…</strong></p>
<p><strong>BPI Building Analyst Training &amp; Certification</strong></p>
<p>This course provides the training you need to become certified as a BPI Building Analyst Professional.<br/>You will be able to perform a thorough building analysis and provide work scope recommendations to save energy, improve comfort and increase a home's safety and durability.<br/>Your BPI Building Analyst credentials will qualify your clients for a variety of incentive programs.</p>
<p><br/><strong>Benefits of the Course</strong></p>
<p>You will be able to work with homeowners to improve their comfort and safety, and reduce their energy bills.<br/>Homeowners are required to work with a BPI Building Analyst to qualify for various incentive programs. Your certification helps you grow your business.<br/>Our partners at Home Energy Team will help you build a home performance business (or add home performance to your existing business) with the Home Energy Team complete business solution. A la carte business services also available. (Additional fees apply).</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Course Package Tuition: Only $1795</strong><br/><strong>0% Financing Available</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>BONUS!</strong></p>
<p><strong>RESNET EnergySmart Contractor CERTIFICATIO</strong>N<br/>Included for <strong>FREE</strong> with this course<br/><strong>SAVE $150</strong><br/>(Training &amp; exam waived for BPI Analysts. Includes CEQ (QA) Provider fee for 1st Year)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Upcoming Classes Scheduled for Cincinnati, OH and Silver Spring, MD May 21-23, 2013 <strong>Register Now!</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greentrainingusa.com/bpi-building-analyst.html#courseSchedules">http://www.greentrainingusa.com/bpi-building-analyst.html#courseSchedules</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><br/></p>How the Sequester will Impact the Home Energy Efficiency Industrytag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-02-28:6069565:BlogPost:1065862013-02-28T17:51:24.000ZJohnny Ritzohttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/JohnnyRitzo
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br></br></strong></span>By Johnny Ritzo</p>
<p>Originally Posted at <a href="http://www.efficiencylawreview.com" target="_blank">Efficiency Law Review</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Introduction</strong></span></p>
<p>There has been considerable speculation about how the mandatory budget cuts, known as the sequester, will impact key government functions beginning March 1, 2013. Primary concern has focused…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br/></strong></span>By Johnny Ritzo</p>
<p>Originally Posted at <a href="http://www.efficiencylawreview.com" target="_blank">Efficiency Law Review</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Introduction</strong></span></p>
<p>There has been considerable speculation about how the mandatory budget cuts, known as the sequester, will impact key government functions beginning March 1, 2013. Primary concern has focused on large-ticket items such as national defense, education, and transportation. But what about the Home Performance Industry? The White House has made broad claims that the sequester will hurt the Renewable Energy Industry, but details regarding home energy efficiency, in particular, have been sparse.</p>
<p>The hardest-hit agencies in the energy efficiency sector will be the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the Budget Control Act of 2011, such non-exempt federal departments, such as the DOE and EPA, are required to trim roughly 8.2% from their budgets during FY2013. Lacking the authority to prioritize particular goals, the budget cuts will apply evenly across the DOE and EPA’s programs and projects alike. The following is a summary of the anticipated cuts and their impact.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><i>Anticipated Cuts in Energy Efficiency</i></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><i>Less Focus on Scientific Innovation</i>: Both the DOE and the EPA fund significant grants for scientific research in energy efficiency, solar energy, battery storage, and other critical areas of the Renewable Energy Industry. In addition to reducing available grants, both organizations will have to downsize research labs and operations.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Cuts to Weatherization Programs</i>: The DOE is expected to reduce contributions to state programs providing weatherization services to low-income families. Department experts project that the budget cuts will lead to 1,000 fewer homes being retrofitted during FY2013. Another significant result is that up to 1,200 weatherization professionals could lose their jobs, according to the DOE.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Cuts to HPwES Programs: </i> Both the DOE and EPA fund state programs providing incentives for home energy retrofits. In his recent <a title="letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee" href="http://op.bna.com/env.nsf/id/avio-94wqlx/$File/Energy%20Letter-February%20Sequester%20Hearing.pdf" target="_blank">letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee</a>, Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy, contended that the sequester could threaten the ongoing viability of state retrofit programs and training centers. Details on the impact to state programs, however, were not provided.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Fewer Energy Star Certified Products</i>: The EPA predicts the budget cuts will hinder its ability to maintain its Energy Star product specifications. Currently covering more than 65 categories of goods and appliances, the EPA will no longer be able to label as many products, which could lead to slow downs in energy-efficient electronics, appliances and home heating and cooling systems.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Decreased Involvement with Industry</i>: The EPA estimates it will have to terminate partnerships with several “energy-intensive industrial sectors” and will not be able to publish as many Energy Efficiency Guides.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Less Software Development and Support</i>: The EPA created a software tool called “Portfolio Manager,” which enables users to track energy and water usage across a portfolio of buildings. EPA officials are concerned the cuts may jeopardize planned software upgrades as well as its ability to provide ongoing support for its users, which include several major cities, states, and the federal government.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p>
<p>In conclusion, the EPA and DOE are scrambling to determine the exact impact of the budget sequester scheduled to take place this Friday. Originally intended to pressure Congress into enacting comprehensive budget reform, the sequester poses harsh consequences to many industries, including Home Performance. Lacking the ability to prioritize certain projects, such as Home Performance with Energy Star, the DOE and EPA need to trim spending across the board. The impact of some cuts are fairly obvious, like decreased support for Portfolio Manager, whereas others will take quite some time to shake out.</p>
<p>One thing seems fairly clear, though: The Home Performance Industry needs to take steps to reduce its reliance on federal and state programs beginning immediately. The introduction of cheap natural gas, coupled with sensationalized stories of waste, has placed the industry on the back burner. Political support for large subsidies and incentives seems very unlikely moving forward. So, from this position, we must pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and begin to market the many benefits of Home Performance: comfort, sustainability, monthly savings, indoor air quality, and more. These benefits more than justify the cost of a home energy retrofit, so it’s our job to begin spreading the word of home energy efficiency through collaborative marketing tactics.</p>AEROSEAL Seals Leaky Ducts From the Inside Out.tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2013-02-28:6069565:BlogPost:1065742013-02-28T15:20:51.000ZDavid Popoff Cthttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/DavidPopoffCt
<p><strong>Seal Your Leaky Ducts Now with AEROSEAL, UL-listed.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/KHRei0YK6cUyp45fbmtkwgRvlWNQ5B8ayGt1-iSpaeyjkI-WAiFv7ivtRur-u8owA*qn8SRZhi6lxcCpaatFo2P62pWPZrar/areoseal.png" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/KHRei0YK6cUyp45fbmtkwgRvlWNQ5B8ayGt1-iSpaeyjkI-WAiFv7ivtRur-u8owA*qn8SRZhi6lxcCpaatFo2P62pWPZrar/areoseal.png" width="705"></img></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is not uncommon to have your ducts leaking by 20% and sometimes even 30% or more which means lost heating and cooling to your living space. With new ‘green’ building practices duct work usually remains within the condition…</p>
<p><strong>Seal Your Leaky Ducts Now with AEROSEAL, UL-listed.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/KHRei0YK6cUyp45fbmtkwgRvlWNQ5B8ayGt1-iSpaeyjkI-WAiFv7ivtRur-u8owA*qn8SRZhi6lxcCpaatFo2P62pWPZrar/areoseal.png" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/KHRei0YK6cUyp45fbmtkwgRvlWNQ5B8ayGt1-iSpaeyjkI-WAiFv7ivtRur-u8owA*qn8SRZhi6lxcCpaatFo2P62pWPZrar/areoseal.png" width="705"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is not uncommon to have your ducts leaking by 20% and sometimes even 30% or more which means lost heating and cooling to your living space. With new ‘green’ building practices duct work usually remains within the condition living space but the majority of prior built homes have ducts in unconditioned spaces such as attics, basements and crawl spaces.</p>
<p>Once the duct work is in place with in walls and other hard to reach locations it has been in the past hard to repair leaks and faulty workmanship. Now you do not have to rip out old leaky ducts with this new vapor sealer that is injected into your ducts.</p>
<p><a title="website" href="http://www.aeroseal.com/" target="_blank">Aeroseal</a> is a nationwide company, <a title="Find Your Local Dealer" href="http://www.aeroseal.com/locate-dealer/index.html" target="_blank">5 dealers in Connecticut</a>, with a product that is a vinyl sealing material that starts off as a gas vapor in your ducts and seals cracks and holes up to 5/8 inch. The sealant is UL-listed for smoke generation and flame spread with additional testing by UL shows no signs of mold growth or erosion. The sealant is a water base solution prior to application that contains two chemicals, vinyl acetate polymer (VAP) and 2-ethyl-1 hexanol (2E1H). Both chemicals are considered nontoxic by OSHA.</p>
<p>The process for a normal size home takes about a day and leaves no lingering odor and comes with a 10 year warranty.</p>
<p>Installation process consists of an Air Duct Diagnostic and Inspection to determine how much duct leakage there is with some homeowners having saved up to 40% on their energy bills.</p>
<ul>
<li>Pre-seal test as baseline for duct leakage</li>
<li>Block off registers.</li>
<li>Inject Aeroseal into duct system.</li>
<li>Cracks and holes sealed.</li>
<li>Computer and sensors measure and control process.</li>
<li>Post-seal test and measurements.</li>
<li>Complete Report and certificate printed for record of improvement.</li>
</ul>
<p>Aeroseal has won the <a href="http://energy.gov/articles/breakthrough-berkeley-mist-sealant-technology-potential-save-americans-5b-year" target="_blank">“Energy 100”</a> award from the US Department of Energy (DOE) along with being rated as one of the 23 most beneficial technologies to the American consumer from DOE.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em><a href="http://davidpopoffct.com/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">David Popoff is a Connecticut license real estate agent in lower Fairfield County</span></a></em></strong><strong><em>. He has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years and now reside in Darien since 2004.</em></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em>Green Affiliations.</em></strong></span><ul>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">Realtor GREEN</span></a></em></strong><strong><em> designation by the National Association of Realtors.</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em>David Popoff is an accredited </em></strong><strong><em>LEED Accredited Professional</em></strong><strong><em> (LEED AP) Homes and USGBC member of the Connecticut chapter (</em></strong><strong><em><a title="CTGBC website" href="http://www.ctgbc.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">CTGBC</span></a></em></strong><strong><em>). </em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em>Associate member and an accredited </em></strong><strong><em>Certified Green Professional</em></strong><strong><em> (CGP) of National Association of Home Builders (</em></strong><strong><em><a title="NAHB website" href="http://www.nahb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">NAHB</span></a></em></strong><strong><em>) and the local chapter </em></strong><strong><em><a title="HBRA website" href="http://www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">HBRA-Fairfield County, Ct</span></a></em></strong><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em>Member of the </em></strong><strong><em><a href="http://www.hbact.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&amp;subarticlenbr=208#greenhomescouncil" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003300;">HBA CT Green Homes Council</span></a>.</em></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #003300;"><strong><em>GPRO Construction Management</em></strong><strong><em> Certified by Urban Green Council, USGBC NY</em></strong><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>Energy efficiency and a cold marriagetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-12-01:6069565:BlogPost:989752012-12-01T11:30:00.000ZElisa Woodhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/ElisaWood
<p>We know energy efficiency can save the world, but can it save a marriage?</p>
<p>Leave it to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to take on that question. The agency is known for its vanguard energy research. But it is one thing to produce papers on topics like ‘Air Bypass in Vertical Stack Water Source Heat Pumps’ and another to delve into what a cold room can do to a new marriage.</p>
<p>That’s the premise behind <i>Irreconcilable Temperatures</i>, a…</p>
<p>We know energy efficiency can save the world, but can it save a marriage?</p>
<p>Leave it to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to take on that question. The agency is known for its vanguard energy research. But it is one thing to produce papers on topics like ‘Air Bypass in Vertical Stack Water Source Heat Pumps’ and another to delve into what a cold room can do to a new marriage.</p>
<p>That’s the premise behind <i>Irreconcilable Temperatures</i>, a five-part comedy/ad produced by NYSERDA.</p>
<p>I know what you’re thinking. An energy agency and humor? No, not happening.</p>
<p>It was with deep skepticism that I clicked on the first ‘webisode’. I’ve seen energy folks try for comedy before and fail miserably. But these short sketches had me chuckling – while learning about on-bill financing. A miracle.</p>
<p>The show’s tagline is “Save your love life! Plus hundreds of dollars – even more – on energy every year.”</p>
<p>Here’s the story line. Newlywed Russell is crazy frugal. After he and Wendy get their first utility bill, he keeps turning down the thermostat. Wendy is freezing, Russell is oblivious.</p>
<p>Finally she sits Russell down and says, “We need professional help.”</p>
<p>Russell is bewildered. “Why?” he asks. You can see his breath.</p>
<p>Of course, she’s not talking about marriage counseling, but a free home energy performance audit through NYSERDA. He’s hesitant. “Russell, is our marriage worth… free?” she asks.</p>
<p>Supporting characters enter. A triathlete neighbor, who drinks soy lattes with whey protein, thinks energy efficiency begins with installation of an expensive new heating system. She brags that her new furnace “has a self-calibrating variable speed inducer.”</p>
<p>“How nice for you not to have to do all that calibrating by hand,” Wendy comments.</p>
<p>Two assessors certified by the Building Performance Institute come to the rescue, one a straight man who often relieves Wendy and Russell’s confusion. For example, the couple thought that to pay for the home improvements they would have to sell Russell’s presidential sock collection on e-bay.</p>
<p>The sketches are a clever way to educate the public about the Home Performance with Energy Star Program. The energy industry tends to trade in arcane information and even make arcane that which should be straight forward. The industry’s penchant for staying within its bubble was okay when consumers were passive receivers of utility services. Now, however, the new world of smart grid requires that consumers take action and manage their energy use<i>. Irreconcilable Temperatures</i> isn’t exactly <i>The Daily Show</i> or even <i>Saturday Night Live</i> on an off week. But for a public service-type series, it is clever. High quality promotions like this are a big step toward making the world of energy accessible.</p>
<p>“Humor can be a powerful educational tool. This campaign seeks to capitalize on humor in a way that demonstrates to homeowners the many very real and practical benefits of investing in energy efficiency in their homes,” said Francis Murray, NYSERDA President and CEO. “We want all New Yorkers to know about the wide range of programs available – from direct incentives to free or low-cost assessments and financing – that can increase the comfort, safety and energy efficiency of their homes.”</p>
<p>The <i>Irreconcilable Temperatures</i> website also includes stories about homeowners across New York who have saved money through energy efficiency, steps to get started, and information on incentives and financing.</p>
<p>Watch the webisodes here: <a href="http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/energy-stars">www.nyserda.ny.gov/energy-stars</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Elisa Wood is a long-time energy writer whose work can be found RealEnergyWriters.com.</i></p>Joliet couple first in county to get energy conservation home certificationtag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-07-06:6069565:BlogPost:883762012-07-06T17:00:00.000ZAndrew Navoliohttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/AndrewNavolio
<p><em>The following post was written by</em> <em>Julie Johnson with Journatic News Service. The original publishing of the story can be read <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/joliet/chi-jnt394453-joliet-joliet-couple-20120705,0,5377037.story" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_1412" style="width: 310px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-1412 align-center" height="225" src="http://blog.mwalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/JolietIHP1.gif" title="JolietIHP" width="300"></img><p class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;">(Office of Will County Executive Larry Walsh,…</p>
</div>
<p><em>The following post was written by</em> <em>Julie Johnson with Journatic News Service. The original publishing of the story can be read <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/joliet/chi-jnt394453-joliet-joliet-couple-20120705,0,5377037.story" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
<div id="attachment_1412" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1412 align-center" title="JolietIHP" src="http://blog.mwalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/JolietIHP1.gif" alt="" height="225" width="300"/><p style="text-align: center;" class="wp-caption-text">(Office of Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Handout / July 5, 2012)</p>
</div>
<p>Georgene Jaback and Bob Woods, of Joliet, are the first homeowners in Will County to earn an Energy Star Silver Certificate for energy efficiency improvements to their homes.</p>
<p>Jaback and Woods were inspired to make the changes to their Frederick Street home after Jaback’s mother, Janet Jaback, of Elmwood Park, recently upgrade her home to make it more energy efficient. Janet Jaback was the first resident both in Cook County and the state to receive an Energy Star Silver Certificate. Georgene Jaback and Woods are the sixth homeowners in the state to receive the accreditation.</p>
<p>Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Mayor Tom Giarrante presented the couple with the certificate.</p>
<p>The Joliet couple improved their 50-year-old home with air sealing in the attic, basement and perimeter walls and insulation on the attic floor and in the conditioned basement. Their upgrades will reduce their air leakage rate by 35 percent, according to a press release issued by Will County.</p>
<p>“I noticed the difference in my home right away,” said Georgene Jaback in the press release. “The floors are warmer. I can walk around in my bare feet now, even when it is cold out. It is even warm in my basement, which has been cold since the day I purchased my place.”</p>
<p>To qualify for the Energy Star Silver Certificate, improvements must reduce energy use by 15 percent and must follow <a href="http://www.illinoishomeperformance.org/" target="_blank">Illinois Home Performance guidelines</a>. The program is handled by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. Homeowners can start the process by completing an online energy profile at illinoishomeperformance.org.</p>How to Market Your Home Performance Business in the Summertag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-06-14:6069565:BlogPost:870222012-06-14T14:30:00.000ZJohnny Ritzohttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/JohnnyRitzo
<p><em>Reposted from the Energy Circle blog -- <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog" target="_blank">http://www.energycircle.com/blog</a>.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/IdJUexPqWEhRaILpxD3DqkaCu7RGvYrTaCtizRGWnDGVZK5kw9TEMe520p6*1hd6LSZae0*i*rssLwumbkcqom*c4BAcK59X/goldensummertime.jpeg?width=100" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/IdJUexPqWEhRaILpxD3DqkaCu7RGvYrTaCtizRGWnDGVZK5kw9TEMe520p6*1hd6LSZae0*i*rssLwumbkcqom*c4BAcK59X/goldensummertime.jpeg?width=115" style="padding: 2px;" width="115"></img></a> We hear from residential energy efficiency pros around the country that spring and summer are particularly challenging times for their…</p>
<p><em>Reposted from the Energy Circle blog -- <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog" target="_blank">http://www.energycircle.com/blog</a>.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/IdJUexPqWEhRaILpxD3DqkaCu7RGvYrTaCtizRGWnDGVZK5kw9TEMe520p6*1hd6LSZae0*i*rssLwumbkcqom*c4BAcK59X/goldensummertime.jpeg?width=100" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/IdJUexPqWEhRaILpxD3DqkaCu7RGvYrTaCtizRGWnDGVZK5kw9TEMe520p6*1hd6LSZae0*i*rssLwumbkcqom*c4BAcK59X/goldensummertime.jpeg?width=115" style="padding: 2px;" class="align-left" width="115"/></a>We hear from residential energy efficiency pros around the country that spring and summer are particularly challenging times for their home performance businesses. When temperatures warm up, homeowners tend to start thinking more about gardening and landscaping and less about energy efficiency. Obviously, this timing is not ideal for your business, because summer is, after all, a great time for home energy upgrades. So, how do you make your business thrive during the warm seasons?</p>
<p>For this post, we've revisited a concept we've discussed in the past - <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog/2011/11/10/how-minimize-home-performance-business-swings-strategic-marketing">how to minimize seasonal business swings with seasonal marketing tactics</a> - and come up with a few ideas to help your home performance business boom this summer while spending your <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog/2011/11/04/what-should-your-home-performance-marketing-budget-be">home performance marketing budget</a> wisely:</p>
<h3><strong><span class="font-size-4">Step One: Craft Your Message Around Common Summer Problems.</span></strong></h3>
<p>First and foremost, you need to make sure your <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog/2010/03/24/energy-efficiency-home-performance-weatherization-how-will-your-customers-find-you">key message aligns with the consumer mindset about home performance issues</a>, particularly in your region. Here in Maine, for example, the summertime is easy, breezy; and most folks aren't concerned with comfort issues or energy bills. They are, however, still concerned about the health of their families, the value of their property, the potential problem of bugs and critters entering the home, and a whole slew of other building-science-related issues. </p>
<p>In the South, however, the summer is a <em>great </em>time to sell energy savings and improved comfort. So, as they say, it really depends.</p>
<p>But as a general rule, while your summer marketing efforts should focus on those issues that people in your region are concerned with, it is key to emphasize things other than energy efficiency and lowering cooling expenses. Here are a few other common building problems that you can address in the summer:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mold</li>
<li>Wet Basements</li>
<li>Indoor Air Quality</li>
<li>Critters, bugs</li>
</ul>
<p>It's important to remember, too, that when people have a problem like mold, or poor indoor air quality, one of the first things they typically do is hit Google or another search engine. If you want your website to show up, be sure to include a page for each of these problems. If mold is an issue in your area in the summer, for example, create a page about how your company addresses mold issues. If the content isn't there, people won't find your business, and you'll be left sitting on your thumbs while your competitors "clean house," so to speak.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><strong><span class="font-size-4">Step Two: Hitting the Gas with Seasonal, Focused Marketing Efforts.</span></strong></span></p>
<p>There are a number of marketing initiatives which allow you to create some quick leads. The top three candidates are pay-per click advertising, email marketing campaigns, and local speaking engagements.</p>
<h4>PPC campaigns around specific, seasonal topics. </h4>
<p>Consider starting a <a href="http://www.energycircle.com/blog/2011/10/27/pay-click-advertising-home-performance-businesses">pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign</a> based on seasonal topics. Take into account the fact that in the spring many people are dealing with flooding basements and the resultant moisture and mold problems. Try a PPC campaign based on search terms around those topics (eg: "Moisture problems in your house? Eliminate the problem at the source through the "whole house" approach: call XYZ Home Performance today.")</p>
<h4>Send seasonal newsletters via email.</h4>
<p>Newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with existing customers and convert new leads into customers. Not only does email typically have a low cost-per-acquisition for new customers, email blast providers offer affordable plans for software that is easy to use. Now is a good time to look through your email account, or database if you have one, and see if there are any old leads that didn’t convert (i.e. received an energy audit but no improvement) or whether there are any phased projects that haven’t gone to completion. If so, add them to your email list.<br/> <br/> What to write about? We recommend providing concise, helpful information about how homeowners can fix their seasonal problems with the “whole house” approach to building science. Other fruitful topics include updates on local rebates and financing options, case studies, as well as as special offers (i.e. discounts, package upgrades, free consultations, etc.). </p>
<h4>Speaking to chambers of commerce and other local organizations.</h4>
<p>What better way to spread the good word of home performance than by connecting with local thought leaders in your community? Chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and other local organizations are a great, low-cost way to connect with influential members of your community. You might even sign up a couple new customers right there.</p>
<p>Any other ideas for marketing home performance in the summer? Let us know in the comments.</p>Green Cipherin' - What's Slowing the Mainstreaming of Green Building, and What Homeowners Can Do about Ittag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2012-04-10:6069565:BlogPost:815612012-04-10T02:00:00.000ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5-hdmJErqPIt*R30dhHetMVnG9XqxWGj-QDlpjAyebgZdfZas9UuH-KXz7dkG7HjbTxylAO-CwwYMD8RxidQ7Yf0d6tDJhLr/SAdomatisbusinessshot.png" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5-hdmJErqPIt*R30dhHetMVnG9XqxWGj-QDlpjAyebgZdfZas9UuH-KXz7dkG7HjbTxylAO-CwwYMD8RxidQ7Yf0d6tDJhLr/SAdomatisbusinessshot.png?width=189" width="189"></img></a> MLSs (Multiple Listing Services) across the country are unveiling “green-field addenda” (GFAs) and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>searchable fields<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></em></strong>to highlight green features. …</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5-hdmJErqPIt*R30dhHetMVnG9XqxWGj-QDlpjAyebgZdfZas9UuH-KXz7dkG7HjbTxylAO-CwwYMD8RxidQ7Yf0d6tDJhLr/SAdomatisbusinessshot.png"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/5-hdmJErqPIt*R30dhHetMVnG9XqxWGj-QDlpjAyebgZdfZas9UuH-KXz7dkG7HjbTxylAO-CwwYMD8RxidQ7Yf0d6tDJhLr/SAdomatisbusinessshot.png?width=189" width="189"/></a>MLSs (Multiple Listing Services) across the country are unveiling “green-field addenda” (GFAs) and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>searchable fields<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></em></strong>to highlight green features. Twenty-five percent of new-home sales are ENERGY STAR-certified, and utility programs across the country provide rebates to overhaul the rest of the country's housing stock. Early data from places like the Pacific Northwest and North Carolina are showing that yes, in fact, there is a “green premium” – a price bump for homes with green features.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Green-building advocates feel like a green renaissance within home construction and renovation—an Emerald City – is on the horizon. But appraisers have been the big buzz kill at the party. As an industry, they’ve refused to assign higher valuation to energy-efficient features that save homeowners money on utility bills or create healthful environments.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What’s been missing, appraisers say, are data points to support higher valuations of those features, and lending underwriters able to reconcile higher appraisal values with federal lending guidelines.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong>GETTING ON THE GREEN-BUILDING BANDWAGON</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong><br/></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Appraisal Institute is hot on the trail, and last fall, it launched its<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/downloads/AI_82003_ReslGreenEnergyEffAddendum.pdf">"Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum,"</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a form for appraisers to identify any green and energy-efficient features of a house. Sandy Adomatis, an appraiser and Vice Chair of the National Education Committee for the institute, says that adoption among AI members has been slow. Of 80,000 licensed appraisers in the United States, only 23,000 are Appraisal Institute members, and of those, only 2.9 percent (667) have sought green certification. Yet the appraisers who are trained to get green features, love the addendum.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adomatis identifies two critical pieces that need to fall into place for green appraisal data to matter – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>must</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong>get on board by distinguishing green properties as specialized, and homeowners<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><em>must</em></strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>assert their rights when they want green features considered.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/F75q*y02ez60DODJP6r4aiJc6QdWdBBs5oXUKx4TA4P7kBTRhHhRZxgBvk6XYmeZp0S1Mtb4brZp5r7Xe0uUjmDLJoNeSLcF/elizabethmillion.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/F75q*y02ez60DODJP6r4aiJc6QdWdBBs5oXUKx4TA4P7kBTRhHhRZxgBvk6XYmeZp0S1Mtb4brZp5r7Xe0uUjmDLJoNeSLcF/elizabethmillion.jpg" width="140"/></a>“What hasn’t changed is Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac coming into 2012 and recognizing that these energy-efficiency features have value,” says Boulder banker and appraiser Elizabeth Million. “There’s no specific area for underwriters to go to a site and find out what ‘PV’ is – what’s solar. So the underwriter can choose not to accept the appraised value. That, in my opinion, is why we need these data points.”</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong>HOMEOWNERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong><br/></strong></em></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/eSD-FUMKM-vvs3-JEKErZrYHbDu6D4NFVRYJHIhcKqBSNGqtzP6q56ydahzTw*LVUio4xe0hMSa4ZR7Yc4G2xCydXtoEsYal/LStukel_sm.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/eSD-FUMKM-vvs3-JEKErZrYHbDu6D4NFVRYJHIhcKqBSNGqtzP6q56ydahzTw*LVUio4xe0hMSa4ZR7Yc4G2xCydXtoEsYal/LStukel_sm.jpg" width="150"/></a>Laura Stukel, a National Association of REALTORS “Green” REALTOR in Chicago with L.W. Reedy Real Estate, says that when homeowners are working with their lenders, that’s the time to request a green appraiser. “If you had a horse property, you’d want an appraiser who knew how to value a horse property. You need someone who can value green properties,” she says.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adomatis says that the AI has green appraisal classes, tests and subsequent certifications – two for residential appraisers and four for commercial appraisers. Homeowners can request a “green-certified” appraiser from their lender. Sometimes, that request isn’t honored, though, because lenders don’t have the knowledge to fulfill it, or the people, she says.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Unfortunately they’re using either their own ordering department within the bank or they use an appraisal management company. Neither category is looking at green construction as anything other than conventional," she says.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adomatis notes that green appraisals are considered “complex” and that “general” or “trainee” appraisers shouldn’t be doing them. And yet banks and appraisal companies sometimes dispatch those less-skilled anyway.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong>LINE IN THE SAND</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong><br/></strong></em></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Adomatis says it’s completely legit for property owners to ask, “Are you a trainee, or are you certified? Have you had any classes in green construction?” And when the appraisal’s done, check it then – don’t wait until closing.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“The homeowner should ask for a copy of the appraisal as soon as they can get it,” says Adomatis. “Did they describe the property appropriately? If it’s green, do they describe the green features? If they didn’t describe it right, they probably didn’t appraise it correctly. Then go back to the lender.”</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">REALTORS and appraisers are working shoulder to shoulder to get green features valued, but there’s not a big push from lenders, says Adomatis. “I’d like to see the lenders do what we’ve encouraged the builders to do – network with all of us, networking and brainstorming together. The AI always invites lenders,” she says.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ultimately, Stukel says the responsibility for getting green features valued falls squarely on the home or building owner. “You still have to manage the process,” she says. Working with green REALTORS and appraisers can flatten the learning curve.</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-Melissa Baldridge, eGreenContractors</span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br/></span></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><em>For more information …</em></strong></span></p>
<ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Green REALTORS come in two varieties and can help owners through buying, selling and appraising properties with energy-efficiency features –<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.ecobroker.com/">EcoBroker</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/">National Association of REALTORS "Green."</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Note upcoming class – The Appraisal Institute’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/course_descrb/Default.aspx?prgrm_nbr=828&amp;key_type=C.">Case Studies in Appraising Green Commercial Buildings,"</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>June 26-7, 2012, Chicago.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Appraisal Institute solar appraisal class coming in January 2013.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Homeowners can present MLS “green-field addenda” to appraisers for inspection and review. For help in the Denver/Boulder metro area with a GFA (both Metrolist and IRES), contact us today. We have certified energy auditors who can fill the form out accurately. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:Info@eGreenContractors.com">Info@eGreenContractors.com</a>, 1.877.376.8953.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" align="center"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"># # #</span></p>Jumping the Hurdles to a Green MLStag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-11-10:6069565:BlogPost:666062011-11-10T16:49:16.000ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>Sean Smith was the man in the middle. – a key figure with a foot in both worlds of business and “green.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A high-end general contractor, he built two LEED-certified homes in the Washington Park neighborhood of Denver in 2009. At an educational session he hosted there, the U.S. Green Building Council approached him to serve on a committee. “If you’re doing big-picture things, I’m all over it,” he told them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At a subsequent meeting at the Governor’s Energy…</p>
<p>Sean Smith was the man in the middle. – a key figure with a foot in both worlds of business and “green.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>A high-end general contractor, he built two LEED-certified homes in the Washington Park neighborhood of Denver in 2009. At an educational session he hosted there, the U.S. Green Building Council approached him to serve on a committee. “If you’re doing big-picture things, I’m all over it,” he told them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At a subsequent meeting at the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO), Smith realized he was one of the few businesspeople in a room full of well-intended greenies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FQ52NaZpcBYwOXewdKww44z6v3LFdKvAhPAeVMd7KnVVAyUL5xyFXntCDsr3IFVSm8AJ4JnJnL2LSQvAtyLGbgq3N4Q6Xena/SeanSmith.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FQ52NaZpcBYwOXewdKww44z6v3LFdKvAhPAeVMd7KnVVAyUL5xyFXntCDsr3IFVSm8AJ4JnJnL2LSQvAtyLGbgq3N4Q6Xena/SeanSmith.jpg" width="266"/></a>“There wasn’t one REALTOR. I was the only builder. There weren’t any bankers or appraisers. They were talking about moving the market at a macro scale,” he said. “The market they were talking about was not there in any way, shape or form.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The problem Smith and his colleagues want to solve is validating the theory that green homes sell faster and for more money than conventional homes. It’s a real “chicken-or-egg” conundrum as appraisers, mortgage lenders and underwriters, REALTORS, builders and homeowners look to each other for numbers to prove the claim. If a market-based case can be made, it would grease the skids for moving the green-building industry into the mainstream.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>An important yet imperfect study emerged in 2009<a href="#_ftn1">[1]</a> from the Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland and Seattle. The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) had collected sale data from certified green homes that proved the theory there. What implementers at the GEO realized is that grant money could be directed to Colorado’s 18 MLS’s to add “green field addenda” (GFAs) to start data collection here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>IRES, the MLS for Boulder and northern Colorado, was one of the first aboard. Lauren Hansen, IRES’ CEO, said she rolled her eyes when the GEO first knocked on her door about placing GFAs on IRES, but she quickly saw the value of the undertaking. Boulder’s building codes now require all new construction and remodels to be 30 percent more energy-efficient than conventional codes. And that’s just the starting point.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s not just about listing and selling homes, but instead how can we gather the right kind of applicable data, meaningful data, so appraisers can start putting these houses side by side [next to code-built twins].” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The GEO approached Hansen in April 2010, and IRES moved with lightning speed, launching its GFA in August. She says she had IT support that a lot of smaller MLSs don’t have in-house. (The GEO MLS grants intended to offset that expense, even if the work has to be sent out-of-house.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BE*ETMC17xXtaJ2us59P0O10e7wojqNvR0yc8uoA3cTQyhAjw9h1hbLci8irsr*o7IEjYW0hVMMZYvsSBKwRgymV6B6Jc2x8/Emerysmaller.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BE*ETMC17xXtaJ2us59P0O10e7wojqNvR0yc8uoA3cTQyhAjw9h1hbLci8irsr*o7IEjYW0hVMMZYvsSBKwRgymV6B6Jc2x8/Emerysmaller.jpg" width="235"/></a>Another reason Hansen moved so fast is because the GEO offered her a data template to facilitate apples-to-apples comparisons. “This is not the area for you to be creative,” she says the GEO told her. “If you want to change up data collection, go for it. But be sure to have at least the same info that we do.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The 800-pound gorilla, Metrolist serving metro Denver and almost half the REALTORS in the state, has been slower on the uptake, and its founding president resigned in October after 27 years there. Melissa Olson, Senior Manager for Marketing &amp; Sales, says it hasn’t been a priority for Metrolist because REALTORS haven’t asked for it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>“In our market, there just hasn’t been a real call in the brokerage community for the green fields,” she says. She advises brokers who are interested to tack green data on as “additional information.” Olson does say, however, that a bona fide GFA will be available on the MLS toward the end of this year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Smith notes another issue with widespread acceptance – no secondary market for energy-efficient mortgages. “Fannie and Freddie and HUD can come up with energy-efficiency mortgages all day long, all they want. Underwriters and lenders will add their own layer of criteria,” he says. “If we get the mortgage industry to really buy into an energy-efficient home with a HERS score of X (a “miles per gallon” comparison) with data from an MLS, appraisers can understand it, and they can get comps from an MLS because it’s all in there.” </p>
<p> </p>
<p>He says one sticking point is that appraisers have lacked mechanisms to value green improvements. But this year, the Appraisal Institute passed its own <a href="http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/downloads/AI_82003_ReslGreenEnergyEffAddendum.pdf">GFA</a> with, Hansen notes, fields similar to IRES’s and other MLS’s. Hansen says it’s a game changer because where appraisers go, lenders and underwriters can follow. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One more obstacle to a green MLS – and perhaps the biggest – is actually getting REALTORS to use it, and that’s a problem of education. Even Hansen in green-tinged Boulder says she doesn’t have the acceptance of the GFAs that she’d like to see.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>She says acronyms like VOC paints, SIPs and ICFs (both insulative building foam) can be intimidating. “It’s like looking for a job. If I don’t know what the acronyms are, I probably shouldn’t apply.” Hansen keeps up the drumbeat in <b><i>all</i></b> her real estate CLU classes, not just green classes. And Olson says she’s had the same experience in Denver.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the various components surrounding green-building valuation gel, Hansen says it’s only a matter of time before REALTORS start using them. “Once the brokers understand this could make my seller’s property more valuable and more attractive, it’ll be easy for them to jump on board.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-Melissa Baldridge, GreenSpot</p>
<p> </p>
<div><br clear="all"/><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"/><div><p><a href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a> Ann Griffin, “Certified Home Performance: Assessing the Market Impacts of Third Party Certification on Residential Properties,” Earth Advantage Institute, May 29, 2009.</p>
</div>
</div>Duke Speaks at Midwest Power Shift 2011 Conferencetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-10-25:6069565:BlogPost:640502011-10-25T14:44:47.000ZAdam Dukehttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/AdamDuke
<p>GGEC Co-Founder Adam Duke spoke this past weekend at the Midwest Power Shift 2011 conference in Cleveland, OH. He was featured on a panel discussing Energy Efficiency as the Building Base of the Green Economy. (The image below is taken from the event’s program.) </p>
<p>“It was really great,” says Duke, “there were a ton of extremely passionate students from all over the country. By sharing my story and insights, I was hopefully able to convey that it’s possible to pursue their passions…</p>
<p>GGEC Co-Founder Adam Duke spoke this past weekend at the Midwest Power Shift 2011 conference in Cleveland, OH. He was featured on a panel discussing Energy Efficiency as the Building Base of the Green Economy. (The image below is taken from the event’s program.) </p>
<p>“It was really great,” says Duke, “there were a ton of extremely passionate students from all over the country. By sharing my story and insights, I was hopefully able to convey that it’s possible to pursue their passions through the for-profit sector.”</p>
<p>Duke, 23, graduated from Michigan State University in May 2010. </p>
<p>“I wish I could have heard me give this talk when I was in school,” he jokes.<a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/fGty4BTzJMsSi*ezXJ-OuCrRExHg1olo4UXe4YPbmI9Fiu56fcdoMz-aTWy*4nrFakigE1M8m5h-rwomV5HYVLCLfOswVBZ5/adamspeaker.png"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/fGty4BTzJMsSi*ezXJ-OuCrRExHg1olo4UXe4YPbmI9Fiu56fcdoMz-aTWy*4nrFakigE1M8m5h-rwomV5HYVLCLfOswVBZ5/adamspeaker.png" width="538"/></a></p>How to Prevent Heat Loss with 4 Examples-Diagrams-Drawings for your Building Projectstag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-10-22:6069565:BlogPost:641022011-10-22T20:00:00.000Zscottscontractinghttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/scottscontracting
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In recent conversations with customers and peers about reducing energy loss in buildings &amp; structures and how <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer" target="_blank">heat and cold are transferred into a building</a> via conduction, I explained and made reference to using a metal cooking utensil to stir a pot of chili.</span></p>
<p> …</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In recent conversations with customers and peers about reducing energy loss in buildings &amp; structures and how <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer" target="_blank">heat and cold are transferred into a building</a> via conduction, I explained and made reference to using a metal cooking utensil to stir a pot of chili.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<div><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">If the utensil is left in the pot of chilli for any length of time. The heat will eventually transfer heat up the utensil handle and will usually burn your hand or fingers.</span></div>
<div><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<strong><em><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Heat and cold enter a building in the same way; unless, there is some form of insulation or thermal break to prevent the conduction of energy.</span></em></strong><br/>
<div><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Cooking utensil manufactures solve this issue by adding handles made of wood, plastic, etc.</span></div>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The building and remodeling industry combats this energy loss/gain in various ways. Here a few examples, diagrams, and drawings that show how this loss or gain is minimized.</span><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>When this heat/cold gain and loss is minimized you will save money on your heating and cooling bills.</em></span><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By renovating and building using these examples and basic design principles <a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/scotts-contracting-home-energy-pros-membership-information/" target="_blank" title="Scotts Contracting- Home Energy Pros Membership Information">you will save money and reduce global warming / climate change.</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br/></span></p>
<ul>
<li><h2><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">EXAMPLE 1. ADDING INSULATION ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING NORMALLY BEHIND THE EXTERIOR WALL FINISH. THIS IS NORMALLY USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH INSULATION IN THE WALL CAVITIES.</span></h2>
</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li> <ul>
<li><dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/top-view-example-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1925"><img alt="Example 1 top view" class="size-medium wp-image-1925" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/top-view-example-1.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="Top View Example 1" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Example 1 Top View</dd>
</dl>
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/iso-view-example-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1926"><img alt="ISO View Example 1" class="size-medium wp-image-1926" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/iso-view-example-1.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="ISO View Example 1" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Example 1 Adding Insulation on the Exterior of Wall Framing</dd>
</dl>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><h3>Example 2 – Staggered Wall Studs</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/2x4-staggered-studs-top-view/" rel="attachment wp-att-1927"><img alt="2x4 Staggered Studs to prevent Energy Loss and Gain" class="size-medium wp-image-1927" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/2x4-staggered-studs-top-view.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="2x4 Staggered Studs Top View" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Top View 2×4 Staggered Studs to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain</dd>
</dl>
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/2x4-staggered-studs-iso-view/" rel="attachment wp-att-1928"><img alt="2x4 Staggered Studs" class="size-medium wp-image-1928" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/2x4-staggered-studs-iso-view.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="2x4 Staggered Studs ISO View" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">2×4 Staggered Studs Prevent Energy Loss and Gain</dd>
</dl>
</li>
<li><h3>Example 3- Double Wall Construction</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/top-view-double-wall/" rel="attachment wp-att-1929"><img alt="2x4 Double Wall Construction" class="size-medium wp-image-1929" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/top-view-double-wall.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="Top View Double Wall" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">2×4 Double Wall Construction to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain</dd>
</dl>
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/iso-view-double-wall/" rel="attachment wp-att-1930"><img alt="2x4 Double Wall Construction" class="size-medium wp-image-1930" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/iso-view-double-wall.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="ISO View Double Wall" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">2×4 Double Wall Construction to Prevent Energy Loss and Gain</dd>
</dl>
</li>
<li><h4>Example 4- Creating a Thermal Break by Adding Wall Channels</h4>
</li>
</ul>
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/top-view-wall-channel/" rel="attachment wp-att-1931"><img alt="Thermal Break created by Wall Channels to prevent energy loss" class="size-medium wp-image-1931" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/top-view-wall-channel.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="Top View Wall Channel" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Thermal Break created by Wall Channels to prevent energy loss</dd>
</dl>
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="http://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-prevent-heat-loss-with-4-examples-diagrams-drawings-for-your-building-projects/iso-view-wall-channel/" rel="attachment wp-att-1932"><img alt="Thermal Break created by adding Wall Channels to prevent energy loss and gain" class="size-medium wp-image-1932" src="http://scottscontracting.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/iso-view-wall-channel.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" title="ISO View Wall Channel" width="300" height="168"/></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Thermal Break created by adding Wall Channels to prevent energy loss and gain</dd>
</dl>
<h5><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The above illustrations are just a few examples of how to prevent Energy Loss in a Building by adding: Insulation, Providing a Thermal Break, and Creating Dead Air Space. Examples 1 and 4 are used mostly in Remodeling and Renovation Projects. With examples 2 and 3 are used mainly in new construction of Buildings. For detailed information, proven scientific facts, about how energy is transferred I suggest reading the Article at Wiki on Heat Transfer at:<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer</a>.</span></h5>Climate Policy Initiative Analysis Finds US Building Energy Codes Worktag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-09-28:6069565:BlogPost:609582011-09-28T21:30:00.000ZAndrew Navoliohttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/AndrewNavolio
<p>The Climate Policy Initiative has completed a study to measure and evaluate the impact of residential building energy codes on total household energy consumption, “Codes to Cleaner Buildings: Effectiveness of US Building Energy Codes”, was released by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) of San Francisco, California on September 7, 2011. Conducted by Jeff Deason and Andrew Hobbs of CPI, the study was done to see if building energy codes make an impact on home energy use and greenhouse gas…</p>
<p>The Climate Policy Initiative has completed a study to measure and evaluate the impact of residential building energy codes on total household energy consumption, “Codes to Cleaner Buildings: Effectiveness of US Building Energy Codes”, was released by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) of San Francisco, California on September 7, 2011. Conducted by Jeff Deason and Andrew Hobbs of CPI, the study was done to see if building energy codes make an impact on home energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Many states have adopted model energy codes (primarily the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code or IECC) and few have their own code that has been personalized to be specific for that state, such as California. Only 7 states have not adopted a statewide mandatory building energy code. A small number of states have adopted a less stringent code than the 2009 IECC. A 2012 version of the IECC was released in August of 2011 and there are states that are considering adopting this model standard and who have statutes that mandate its adoption.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CPI’s analysis reviewed states’ energy use from 1986 to 2008 using real data unlike previous studies that have focused on specific energy sources such as electricity alone or which have used engineering models to gather data. The study evaluated code effectiveness by comparing residential energy use in states that have adopted residential building codes to energy use in states that have not adopted codes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The findings of the study show that the use of energy codes are: reducing energy consumption, driving fuel substitution away from fuels like oil and wood and towards natural gas, and reducing household emissions. Energy use per household was shown to be 10% lower in states with a code than in states without a code. The use of high efficiency natural gas heaters and electric heat pumps, which are encouraged in current energy codes, have reduced household greenhouse gas emissions by 16% in states that have adopted a statewide model code. To insure that the effects were due to codes and not to other factors, CPIs analysis controlled for the effect of changes in energy prices, weather, income, rates of new home construction, federal policies, time trends, and differences between states that do not vary over time such as culture and policy settings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The study is a part of a broader project by CPI to evaluate the impacts of building policy in key regions around the world. A study done by CPI Berlin indicates that targeting different stages of the retrofit process may help Germany reach its target of 80% reduction in residential energy use by 2050 and a study is underway by CPI at Tsinghua on methods used to assess the impact of Chinese building codes.</p>
<p><em>This post was written by Michael Hairston of <a href="http://www.mwalliance.org" target="_blank">MEEA</a>.Michael is part of the MEEA Policy &amp; Codes team and his post can also be found on MEEA's blog,</em> <a href="http://blog.mwalliance.org/" target="_blank">MEEAUnplugged</a>.</p>
<p></p>